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THE 

STORY OF MY LIFE. 



BY 



REV. B. W. CHIDLAW, D. D. 



Child Life in Wales. Pioneer Boyhood in Ohio. 
Fifty-four Years Missionary of the American Sunday- 
School Union. Visits to Wales. Chaplain in the U. 
S. Army. Delegate of the U. S. Sanitary and Chris- 
tian Commissions. Trustee Miami University. Com- 
missioner of the Ohio Reform School for Boys, with 
Labors in Prisons, Infirmaries and Homes for Pauper 
Children. Member of Board of Visitors to West Point. 

with an introductory note by the 
REV. EDWIN W. RICE, D. D. 




for sale by 

WILLIAM H. HIRST, 

1 122 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. 

J. L. SPICER, 10 Bible House, New York. 

Robert Clarke & Co., and Sutton & Co., Cincinnati, O. 

and by the Author, Cleves, O. 

[Copyright, 1890, by B. W. Chidlaw.] 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. PAGE 13-27. 

My Birthplace, 14.— Early Religious Impressions, 15.— First Knowl- 
edge of America, 17.— Leaving Wales, 18.— Our Voyage, 18.— 
Westward Ho! In a Sloop, Wagon, Keel Boat, and Steamer 
19.— The Death and Funeral of My Father, 22.— Finding a Home, 
24.— The Log School-house. A Good Trade, 25— Learning to 
Spell. Won a Prize, 26. 

CHAPTER II. PAGE 28-42. 

An Investment,28.— Reading the New Book and a Bitter Experience, 
28.— Pioneer Life, 29.— Hunting Raccoons, 29.— Log Cabin Life. 
Rev. Russel Bigelow, 30.— Going from Home to School, 31.— 
Teaching School, 32.— Two Young Evangelists, 32.— Resuming 
Study, 33.— Returning Home, 35.— Uniting with the Church, 35. 
—My First Sunday-school, 38.— Securing the Books, 40.— Em- 
ployment, 42. 

CHAPTER III. PAGE 43-69. 

The Death of a Young Woman, 43.— Pioneer Life, 46.— An Important 
Decision, 48.— Entering College, 49.— A Wonderful Revival, 50. 
Sent on a Mission, 50.— Help in Need, 52.— A Fatal Disease, 54. 
—Return to College, 55.— Enter Miami University, 57.— Inter- 
view with the President, 57.— A Collapse, 59— A Bachelor's 
Hall, Minimum of Expense, 61.— Received as a Candidate for 
the Ministry, 63.— Graduation, 64.— Studying Theology, 65.— 
Disappointment in Application, 67.— Licensed to Preach, 68. 

CHAPTER IV. PAGE 70—81. 

Visit Wales, 70.— Meeting a Friend, 70.— In a Welsh Sunday-school, 
71.— Welsh Preaching, 73.— An Itinerant in Wales, 75.— Great 
Welsh Preachers, 77.— Returning Home, Resuming work at 
Paddy's Run, Establishing Sunday-schools, Entering the Sun- 
day-School Union Service, 79. 



(v) 



VI CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER V. PAGE 82—111. 

A Kind Offer, 82.— Ordination, 82.— Marriage, 83— A Useful Sunday- 
school, 84.— A Grove Meeting, 87.— Helping the Preacher, 88.— 
A Missionary Tour, 89.— Fruit Gathered, 93.— Wales Revisited, 
94.— A Preaching Tour, 98.— Llanuwchllyn, a Wonderful Re- 
vival, 100.— A Discovery, 111. 

CHAPTER VI. PAGE 112-137. 

Returning Home, 112.— A Missionary Journey, 113.— Work in Cin- 
cinnati, 114.— Family Bereavement, 115.— The Mission of the 
American Sunday-School Union, 116.— Opposition Overruled, 
117.— A Generous Old Lady, A Good Methodist, 121.— A New 
Work, 129.— Rowdyism, Against Temperance, 130.— Backwoods 
Hospitality, 133.— Ecclesiastical Change, 136. 

CHAPTER VII. PAGE 138-166. 

Anecdote of Dr. Lyman Beecher, 138.— Re-establishing my Home, 
141.— A Change of Field. Appointed Superintending Mission- 
ary, 143.— New Duties and Responsibilities, 144.— Finding Mis- 
sionaries, 146.— A Trophy, 148.— Steamboating, 150.— In a Dilem- 
ma, 151.— Backwoods Currency, 152.— Re-visiting, 155.— A Boy 
on the Wood-pile, 156.— Securing a Library, 158.— A Presbyte- 
rian Camp-meeting, 160. 

CHAPTER VIII. PAGE 167-198. 

A Step Onward, 167.— Sunday-school Celebrations, 168.— Conven % 
tions, 171.— Called East. In Boston, 176.— The East Re-visited, 
181.— On the Boston Common, 181.— In New York, 182.— In 
Philadelphia, 183.— Helpers in my Work, 184.— Revivals of 
Religion, 186.— Employment from 1850 to 1860, 189— An Aged 
Soldier of the Revolutionary Army, 190.— Commissioner to the 
General Assembly, 195.— Preaching in the Tombs Prison, New 
York, 197. 

CHAPTER IX. PAGE 199—220. 

The War Cloud of 1861, 199.— A Bible Class, 202.— Appointed Chap- 
lain of the 39th O. V. I., 204.— Worship at Dress Parade, 205.— 
Systematizing my Labors, 205.— A Call to Head-quarters. 207.— 
Ordered to Northern Missouri, 209.— A Horse for the Chaplain, 
211.— Winter Quarters and Work, 213.— Men Under Sentence of 
Death, 214.— Prostrated by Sickness, 215.— Reach Home. My 
Resignation Accepted, 216.— Visit the East, 218. 



CONTENTS. Vll 

CHAPTER X. PAGE 221—255. 
The United States Sanitary Commission. Battle of Perry ville. 
Work in the Hospitals, 221.— I Want to be Mustered in, 225 — 
Trafficking, 228.— Nashville, Tenn., 231.— Called to Philadelphia, 
234.— A Voyage Down the Mississippi, 236.— Contrabands in 
War, 239.— A Floating Hospital, 243— The United States Chris- 
tian Commission, 245.— The Cincinnati Auxiliary, 245.— Sent to 
the Front, 247.— A Field Hospital, 248.— Letter Writing, 250.— 
A Tea Party, 251— Comfort Bags, 254. 

CHAPTER XI. PAGE 256—283. 

An Appointment, 256.— Patriotism and Sunday-schools, 256.— My 
Last Visit to the Front, 257.— Opposition, 259.— Anniversary at 
Philadelphia, 260.— Closing Anniversary at Washington, D. C, 
261.— Visit to Richmond, Va., 265.— Reform School Work, 267.— 
How we Got a New Chapel, 271.— A New Boy, 271.— Incidents, 
274.— Penal and Charitable Institutions, 276.— Finding an Aged 
Disciple in the Infirmary, 277.— The State Prison, 279.— An 
Incident, 281. 

CHAPTER Xn. PAGE 284—293. 
Resuming Missionary Work, 284.— Institutes, 285.— Grove Meeting 
in Illinois, 286.— Presbyterian National Convention at Philadel- 
phia, 287.— At the General Assembly in New York, 291.— A Bible 
Meeting in Cincinnati, 292. 

CHAPTER XIII. PAGE 294—318. 
The Presbyterian Reunion at Pittsburg, 294.— The United Church 
General Assembly at Philadelphia, 295.— Genial Hospitality, 
295.— Anniversary of the American Sunday-School Union, 296.— 
An Ecclesiastical Wedding, 297.— A Christian Convention at 
Columbus, O., 298.— National Prison Reform Congress, 299.— 
A New Decade, 1870 to 1880, 300.— The Radnor Semi-Centennial, 
301.— Robert Raikes Centenary in London, 303.— The London 
Sunday-school Union, 304.— A Picture Discovered, 310.— Depu- 
tation Work, 314 —Gloucester, 315. 

CHAPTER XIV. PAGE 319 -340. 
Departure for Wales, 319.— Congregational Union of Wales, 320.— 
My Ancestors Discovered, 321.— Labors in Wales, 323.— A 
Mother's Every-day Bible, 325.— At Home Again, 325.— My Ordi- 
nation Remembered, 327.— A Family Celebration, 330.— Sunday- 
school Golden Anniversary, Troy, C, 332.— The First Settle- 
ment of Ohio, Celebrated at Columbus, O., 335.— Flood in the 
Ohio Valley, 335.— Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Convention, 338. 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XV. PAGE 341-375. 

Valley Camp Reunion, 341.— Deaths in my Family, 344.— Asbury 
Park, 346.— Preaching to Soldiers, 346.— Wigwam Meeting, 348.— 
The Presbyterian General Assembly, New York, 349.— Hospi- 
tality, 350.— The Pious Pilgrimage, 351.— West Point Board of 
Visitors, 353.— The World's Sunday-school Convention in Lon- 
don, 356.— The Fourth of July in London, 359.— Labor in England 
and Wales, 360.— The Queen of England, 364.— Stormy Voyage, 
366.— Visit to Penal, Charitable, and Reformatory Institutions 
in Ohio and Indiana, 369.— At Home Employed Writing this 
Story of My Life, 375. 

CHAPTER XVI.— Closing Labors. PAGE 376—382. 

A Visit to the East, 376.— A Sunday-school Convention, 376.— The 
Welsh Miners in the Lackawanna Valley, 377.— The Future of 
their Churches, 378.— The Sixty -sixth Anniversary of the Amer- 
ican Sunday-school Union at Trenton, N. J., 378.— Rest at 
Saratoga, 380.— The Ohio State Sunday-school Convention at 
Zanesville, 381.— The Children's Day. 



INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 



Every divinely guided, consecrated life is a 
benediction to the race. To the youth of to-day 
willing to serve God and their country, this 
modest, but deeply interesting record of a long, 
noble, and widely useful life is sure to prove 
stimulating and helpful. The courage, priva- 
tions, trials and abiding faith of the hardy 
exiles for conscience' sake, who founded Chris- 
tian society amid the dense forests of America 
during the early part of this century, are forcibly 
illustrated by the story of the fatherless Welsh 
boy, who hewed out a home for his widowed 
mother in the wilderness, and with his back- 
woods axe chopped his way to a college educa- 
tion, fitting himself to become an eloquent Sun- 
day-school evangelist, a friend of soldiers, a 
prominent leader in the Sanitary and Christian 
Commissions, and an advocate of State Reform 
Schools, making his name a household word in 
our country. 

The book once begun, will not be easily laid 
down. As William Hazlitt said of the first 
book that really interested him : " It smacked 
of the world I lived in, and in which I was to 

ix 



X INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 

live : " so this story smacks of the perplexities 
and victories of our common life, and shows us 
how to wring out of its daily adventures a 
glorious record for God and eternity. 

When one born of the Spirit, and so far God- 
inspired, tells others what the Lord has done 
for his soul, he holds his hearers spell-bound by 
his simple, earnest, swift-told story. Hence the 
Welsh youth by his swift, soul-inspiring story 
of Christ and salvation, swayed his audiences 
with unwonted power. It mattered not whether 
he was speaking in his mother tongue amid his 
native hills in Wales, or in the acquired tongue 
of his adopted land, to backwoods crowds, or 
to cultured city audiences in the centers of 
wealth and refinement, all alike bowed before 
his persuasive pleading and his fervid eloquence. 

Swinging the axe better qualifies a Gladstone 
to sway parliament and to guide the weighty 
interests of the British Empire : so the youth 
who read this story may learn that clearing 
forests and following the plow, are among the 
best athletics contributing to a healthy and 
lithe body, a ringing voice, and a vigorous 
mind, such as the veteran Chidlaw possesses 
now, though nearing "fourscore." 

His record of faithful pioneer work as mis- 
sionary of the American Sunday-School Union 
for 54 years, gives a forcible picture of the 



INTRODUCTORY NOTE. XI 

breadth, the adaptability and the signal bless- 
ings of the labors of that Society in widely 
different fields and among immigrants of vari- 
ous nationalities and speech. 

It is a grand record — a leaf from experience 
— a God-given book. Richard Cecil aptly 
says, " God has given us four books : the book 
of grace, the book of nature, the book of the 
world, and the book of providence. Every 
occurrence is a leaf in one of these books ; it 
does not become us to be negligent in the use of 
any of them." Surely everyone who comes fairly 
into the bracing moral, and cheerful spiritual 
atmosphere of this book, will find his soul 
uplifted by noble and courageous thoughts, 
and will rise from its perusal to bless the work, 
and be inspired to go forth to imitate the work- 
man as he imitated Christ. 

Edwin W. Rice. 

Philadelphia, June, 1890. 



THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 



M' 



CHAPTER I. 

BIRTH, AND REMOVAL TO AMERICA. 

EMORY is a wonderful storehouse of 
knowledge and impressions. In old age, 
incidents that occurred in early childhood are 
well remembered, and recalled with pleasure. 
The place of birth, home and its surroundings, 
the companions of childhood, find an early and 
abiding lodgment in memory, and are fondly 
cherished when the burden of years rests upon 
us. 

Now, approaching the seventy-ninth mile- 
stone in life's journey, I recall with joy of ] 
heart and gratitude to God, the way I was led ; 
and, for the encouragement of parents and the 
instruction of children, to honor God, and to 
increase my enjoyment in old age, I have under- 
taken the record of my early, as well as the later 
experiences of my lengthened earthly pilgrim- 

(13) 



14 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

age, for hitherto "goodness and mercy" have 
followed me, and " my cup runneth over." 

My Birthplace was the village of Bala, July 
14, 1811, on the shore of Llyn-Tegid, a beautiful 
lake, in the mountains of Aran and Arenig, 
in North Wales. My father, Benjamin Chid- 
law, was a tradesman, and my mother, Mary 
Williams, was a farmer's daughter, the two 
walking together in the love and fear of God. 
Their home, as the house of Obed-edom, was 
blessed " because of the ark of God." My 
godly parents were Non-conformists, and in 
fellowship with the Dissenting congregation in 
the village. Believing in the promises of their 
covenant-keeping God, they esteemed it a privi- 
lege, and a duty, to dedicate their infant son 
to God and his service in baptism. 

In August, 1889, while in Wales, I visited my 
native village, and examined the old records of 
the Congregational church, and found the fol- 
lowing : 

14 Benjamin, the son of Benjamin and Mary Chidlaw, was 
baptized August 4th, 1811, by me, John Lewis, Pastor." 

After the lapse of seventy -eight years, I gazed 
on this brief record with emotions of deep and 
solemn interest, and with devout thanksgiving 
to God who gave me such parents, who, in faith 
and prayer, brought up their child "in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord." 



BIRTH, AXD REMOVAL TO AMERICA. 15 

Amongst my earliest memories are those relat- 
ing to religion — the Sunday-school, and the 
Bible. Then, as now, in Wales, parents and 
children observed the Sabbath — worshipped 
God in the sanctuary, and together attended the 
Sunday-school. In the chapel Sunday-school, I 
was taught to read, revere, love, and to under- 
stand much of the simple and saving truths of 
the gospel — the sincere milk of the word, 
nourishment for babes in Christ. 

Sunday-schools were introduced into Wales 
in 1788 by the faithful labors of Rev. Thomas 
Charles of Bala, my native village, where he 
died in 1814. The want of Bibles in Wales, 
as the people were taught in the Sunday-schools 
to read the divine word, led Mr. Charles to seek 
a supply of the Welsh Bible through the " Lon- 
don Society for the Promotion of Religious 
Knowledge among the Poor." These efforts 
God overruled, to the organization of the 
British and Foreign Bible Society, whose record, 
in the publication and circulation of the Holy 
Scriptures in over two hundred and fifty lan- 
guages, is the glory of our common Christi- 
anity. 

Early Religious Impressions. My home 
training, Sunday-school instruction, and hearing 
preaching, interested and deeply impressed my 
child mind with the importance and reality of 



16 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

religion, so that, to the honor of the grace of 
God, I can now write, that I cannot remember 
the time when I did not feel my need of a 
Saviour because of my sin ; and that Jesus 
Christ, who died for me, would save my soul. 

The infant on its mother's breast, learns 
early to know her, trust her, and to love her: 
so children of tender age, instructed in the truth 
as it is in Jesus, and led by the Holy Spirit, may 
be converted, grow in grace, and in that know- 
ledge of God which bringeth salvation. 

Thus instructed and encouraged, I delighted 
to read the Bible, attend Sunday-school and 
public worship, and be in the companionship of 
children trained in the same way. As babes in 
Christ, we met together to repeat hymns and 
verses of Scripture, to sing and to pray. He who 
said, " Suffer little children to come unto me," 
and accepted their " Hosannas " in the temple, 
led these little ones, thus, to express their love 
for their Saviour, and, in their simple way, to 
worship and serve God. These things may be 
hid from the wise and prudent, but by the 
grace of God they are revealed unto babes. 

While so highly favored in my early religious 
culture, my secular education was very limited. 
Children in Wales, in my condition in life, 
enjoyed but few advantages. My Welsh Bible, 
hymn book, and Taith y Pererin, (Bunyan's 



BIRTH, AND REMOVAL TO AMERICA. 17 

Pilgrim's Progress) constituted my library, and 
I had no knowledge of the English language. 

First Knowledge of America. When I 
was about nine years old, walking with my 
father on the side of a hill, he held his pocket 
handkerchief in the breeze, and, as it was 
wafted by the wind, he said : "That is fair 
wind to take people to America." 

I inquired: " Father, what is America?" 

He replied : " It is a great and good country 
beyond the ocean, where there is no king, no 
tithes, and where poor people can get farms, and 
where apples abound." 

The Welsh boy knew nothing about govern- 
ment, tithes and taxes, but he fully appreciated 
the country where apples grew, and at once, 
proposed going there. 

My father inherited from his brother a small 
leasehold near the village of Bala. According 
to the custom in that land, the lands were sub- 
ject to a tithe to support the Church of England, 
even where the persons holding the lands were 
attached to Dissenting chapels which they 
voluntarily supported. 

Sometimes the Dissenters would make a con- 
tract to pay a stipulated sum in money instead 
of the tithe, but the vicar not infrequently would 
send his ti thing-man to gather the tithes in 
violation of the contract. 



18 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Leaving Wales. Suffering from such op- 
pression and injustice, father disposed of his 
property, and in 1821, with mother, and my 
sister Elizabeth, left the land of his fathers, to 
find a home in a country where civil and re- 
ligious liberty could be found and enjoyed. 

On the day of our departure for America, 
when I was near ten years of age, a kind friend 
gave me a Welsh Bible, saying : " My boy, 
you are going to a distant land, and we know 
not what in the Providence of God may await 
you ; but, if you will always follow the teach- 
ings of the Bible, and pray to God, he will care 
for you. The Lord will be your keeper, and you 
will want for no good thing." 

To-day, after the lapse of nearly seventy 
years, I can bear testimony that his saying was 
true, and is worthy of the belief and confidence 
of every boy and girl in the land. 

My father, in his youth, had spent from 1794 
to 1799 in New York, working at his trade; 
and when he returned to Wales, he was 
thoroughly Americanized in language, and in 
his ideas of civil and religious liberty. The 
United States was his ideal of country, laws 
and government ; and he always longed to be 
a citizen of that great and good country beyond 
the ocean. 

Our Voyage. At Liverpool, in April, 1821, 



BIRTH, AND REMOVAL TO AMERICA. 19 

we embarked on the ship "Manhattan," bound 
for New York, and in forty-seven days reached 
the desired haven. I well remember that dur- 
ing a storm, my young heart was filled with 
fear, but the words of my friend who gave me 
the Welsh Bible, came to my relief, and, follow- 
ing his instruction, I found comfort and deliver- 
ance from all my fears. 

The sight of the land of apples, filled my 
young heart with joy ; and, when we landed in 
New York where we remained a short time, I 
found myself perplexed and disappointed, be- 
cause I could not understand the boys I met on 
the street, engaged in their play. They 
treated the Welsh boy very kindly, and I was 
greatly pleased with these American children, 
and I determined to learn their language as 
soon as possible. 

Westward Ho! Early in June, 1821, we 
left New York in a sloop bound for Albany, and 
dependent for motive power on the wind and 
tide. Our voyage occupied nearly a week. 
From Albany to Schenectady, a wagon fur- 
nished transportation. Thence, we proceeded 
in a keel boat, up the Mohawk river to Utica. 
The boatmen used poles, and pushed the craft 
up-stream to our destination. Owing to low 
water, our progress was very slow. At farm- 
houses, we were well supplied with provisions, 



20 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

especially good bread, butter, and milk, luxuries 
we greatly enjoyed. We frequently landed, 
and walked along the road skirting the river. 
In passing through a wood, I well remember 
how great was my disappointment in not find- 
ing apples on the trees. Inquiring of my father, 
he told me about orchards, and the season for 
fruit, and satisfied me on the subject of 
apples. 

After a week, navigating the Mohawk river 
under difficulties, trying the strength of the 
boatmen and the patience of their passengers, 
we reached Utica. Here we found old neigh- 
bors, who had emigrated a few years previous. 
While we remained I found myself quite at 
home, playing with Welsh children, and hear- 
ing Welsh preaching. After a pleasant time 
with our friends, we travelled in a two-horse 
wagon, from Utica to Black Rock, where the city 
of Buffalo is now located. 

Here father engaged our passage to Lower 
Sandusky, Ohio, on the steamboat "Walk-in- 
the-Water," the first vessel propelled by steam 
that ever navigated the waters of Lake Erie. 
A large number of Indians of the Six Nations, 
were on board emigrating to Wisconsin. Some 
were dressed in blankets, others like white 
people. As they were the first Indians I ever 
saw, I was very much afraid of them. In the 



BIRTH, AND REMOVAL TO AMERICA. 21 

evening they held a religious service on deck. 
Their singing and prayers, though unintelligi- 
ble, impressed me that they were good people, 
and relieved me of all fear. After a pleasant 
voyage, we were safely landed at Lower 
Sandusky, where we were compelled to remain 
several days waiting for transportation to 
Delaware, Ohio. An ox team from Chillicothe, 
Ohio, arrived to take a load of goods landed 
from our vessel for a merchant in that town. 
My father bargained with the teamster to take 
us and our baggage to Delaware, nearly one 
hundred miles distant over a new road opened 
through the forest. The covered wagon was 
our home. In the evening, we selected a pleas- 
ant spot in the forest, kindled a fire ; and cooked 
our provisions. Mother and sister lodged in 
the covered wagon. Father, myself, and the 
teamster, lay on blankets under the wagon 9 
enjoying most refreshing rest. One night we 
camped at Upper Sandusky, on the Wyandot 
Indian reservation, where we replenished our 
stock of provisions and of forage for the oxen. 
Near our camp, stood the Indian Mission 
chapel, where a religious service was held. An 
Indian invited us to attend. It was a real 
pleasure to hear these converted Indians sing- 
ing and praying, though to us in an unknown 
tongue, but together in spirit we could worship 



22 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

the Lord our God. Our ox team moved slowly, 
making the journey tedious and uncomfortable ; 
but, reaching our destination safely, and receiv- 
ing a cordial reception by old friends who had 
settled there two years before, compensated for 
the toil and privation of our journey. 

The Death of My Father. In a few 
weeks after our arrival in Delaware, then a 
small village surrounded by new settlements, 
my father was taken sick with typhoid fever, 
and died, resigned to the Divine will, but 
greatly distressed with the thought of leaving 
his family, strangers in a strange land. The 
death of my honored father, filled my young 
heart with sadness and sorrow. Though so 
young, I realized the death of my parent, good, 
kind, and faithful, as a great loss, and my heart 
was overwhelmed with grief. 

A Sad Funeral. At that time, in the new 
country, undertakers were not to be found; 
but kind and sympathizing people arranged 
for the burial. An old friend in Wales, now 
living in the Welsh settlement, nine miles from 
Delaware, came, with his wagon, to take the 
remains to Radnor for interment. Our dear 
mother, when we so much needed her presence 
and sympathy, was prostrated by fever, and 
unable to go with us on this sorrowful journey. 
The coffin, covered with a white sheet, was 



BIRTH, AND REMOVAL TO AMERICA. 23 

laid on some straw in the wagon ; and, at its 
side, sister, myself, and two friends were seated. 
Our way was through the forest, with here and 
there a log house and a clearing. At the 
graveyard, a number of people were assembled, 
several men carried the coffin to the grave, and 
an aged disciple offered a prayer in the Welsh 
language. Then, the body of my venerated 
father, by the hands of strangers, was lowered 
into the narrow house appointed for all the liv- 
ing, to rest in hope of the day of immortal 
awakening, when "them also which sleep in 
Jesus will God bring with him" to inherit 
eternal life. 

This great bereavement made a deep and 
lasting impression on my young heart, and I 
was led by a way I knew not, to know more of 
God, and my need of his protection, guidance, 
and help. This affliction was sanctified for my 
spiritual good, and its influence on my religious 
life continues to this day. In great mercy, God 
spared the life of my mother, and her restora- 
tion was a great blessing to her now fatherless 
children. 

For a time, mother was undecided whether to 
remain in this country, or return to Wales; 
but, finally, decided to remain. In regard to 
her decision, she used to tell us, that what I 
said in conversation on the subject, settled the 



24 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

question, "that my father always said that 
this was the best country in the world, and if 
we should return to Wales, I would, when I 
was old enough, and could get the means, come 
back to America." 

Finding a Home. Advised by judicious 
and reliable friends, mother invested in the pur- 
chase of land in Radnor township, (about a 
mile from the grave of my father,) on which 
was a log house, and some land cleared and 
ready for cultivation. Our neighbors were 
kind and helpful. Our nearest was a family 
of Americans, good, religious people. Asso- 
ciating with the children, I soon acquired the 
English language so as to converse with 
freedom. 

Near the graveyard, a log meeting-house was 
built in 1817. A Baptist church was organized, 
and English preaching occasionally enjoyed, but 
most of the settlers were Welsh Congregation- 
alists. They met together once a week, and 
on the Sabbath for prayer and religious con- 
ference. With my mother and sister, I regu- 
larly attended these meetings held in our log 
cabin dwellings ; and thus my religious life 
was developed and strengthened. These Chris- 
tian people encouraged me, as a young disciple, 
to relate my religious experience, and to use 
my gift in public prayer. To this faithful deal- 



BIRTH, AND REMOVAL TO AMERICA. 25 

ing and watchful care, I owed my growth in 
grace, and the joy of loving and serving Jesus 
Christ, before I had the opportunity of uniting 
with the church, and confessing him before 
men. 

The Log School-house. Two miles from 
my log cabin home, stood a log school-houser of 
the most primitive character. No sawed boards, 
hardware, or glass, entered into its construction. 
Oiled paper answered for glass, the door was 
made of clapboards and hung with wooden 
hinges, the floor of hewed slabs, and the 
benches were made of split logs. The teacher 
boarded around in the families, and received 
nine dollars a month, half in trade (produce), 
for his services. The Welsh boy was directed 
by the teacher to begin his English education by 
using "Webster's Spelling-book." I was sent 
to Delaware, on horseback, with a basket of but- 
ter which I was to trade for a spelling-book 
and some tea for mother. I bartered four 
pounds of good butter for my text-book, Web- 
ster's Spelling-book. 

The next day, I went to school, greatly 
delighted with my book and my teacher. The 
first sentence I read in English, was " No man 
may put off the law of God." This teaching in 
my spelling-book, so much in harmony with 
my Welsh ideas of God and his law — of man, 



26 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

and his duty — established in my mind a love for 
the book and the language, that inspired me to 
use all diligence to acquire knowledge, and 
become an English scholar. 

Learning to Spell. My teacher told me 
that I must get a " Columbian Orator " and 
some writing paper. These I obtained by bar- 
tering raccoon skins at twenty-five cents each, 
requiring eight skins, worth two dollars, to 
secure these school supplies. We only had 
school in the winter; the rest of the year I 
worked clearing land and cultivating the soil. 
In 1823 my teacher said that I could enter on an 
advanced study, and that I must get " Pike's 
Arithmetic." The book was secured, and I 
entered upon the new study with interest, and 
I was the advanced scholar, except in orthog- 
raphy. In the spelling class, at noon and eve- 
ning, when all the scholars stood in line to spell, 
I was always down at the foot. English orthog- 
raphy I had sadly neglected. I felt mortified at 
the foot of the class, and asked my teacher to 
excuse me from spelling. This he declined, but 
wisely suggested a better plan: "You must 
learn to spell, and I think the way to do it is 
to give up every study and go back to the 
spelling-book. I will offer a prize of half a 
dollar for the scholar who stands at the head 
of the class oftenest during the term." 



BIRTH, AND REMOVAL TO AMERICA. 27 

I complied with his suggestion. The spell- 
ing lesson was my only study, and soon I 
reached the head of the class, held it, and won 
the prize. The last day of school, in the spring 
of 1824, we had a spelling match, and I was 
the first choice, the "Captain" esteeming me 
the best speller. After a contest of two hours, 
our side beat, and I was the hero of the hour. 
After a short intermission spent joyfully on the 
play ground, we were called to the school- 
house crowded with our parents and friends. 
The tickets given for being head of the general 
spelling class during the term, were called for, 
that the prize might be presented. It was 
awarded to me; and with another half dollar 
my mother gave me, I possessed an enormous 
sum — the wealth of Croesus was at my disposal. 
What to do with the money was a serious and 
important question. A boy with a dollar in 
cash was a backwoods millionaire of the times. 



CHAPTER II. 

PIONEER LIFE. 

AN Investment. Consulting with an aged 
and trusted neighbor I was advised to 
buy " Captain John Riley's Narrative," a most 
wonderful book, relating his shipwreck on the 
coast of Africa, his captivity, and his release. 
The funds, and several raccoon skins were sent 
to Columbus and the book purchased. 

Reading the New Book. It came to hand 
safely, my old friend was delighted, and it was 
an event of interest in the settlement. I was 
employed in our sugar-camp in the woods, 
making our supply of sugar and syrup. At 
night, while boiling the sap, several of our 
neighbors, adults and youths, would come to 
our camp to listen to the reading of this mar- 
vellous book. In the light of the fire, and a 
torch of hickory bark, hours were spent night 
after night until the book was finished, all of us 
deeply interested in the thrilling story of Riley's 
endurance, sufferings, release, and return to his 
home and country. 

A Bitter, Experience. The following 

(28) 



PIONEER LIFE. 29 

autumn I had a severe attack of fever and 
ague, the pest of pioneer life. In my delirium 
I found myself in the Sahara desert ; and droves 
of camels kicking hot sand into my mouth 
parched with a burning fever, greatly increasing 
my suffering. After my recovery, and recall- 
ing the evil results of reading Riley's narrative, 
the cause of my misery, I resolved that I would 
read no more English books, but hold fast to 
Welsh literature ; for no such bad results fol- 
lowed reading the Bible and other religious 
books in the old vernacular. 

Pioneeb, Life. The cheer of my home, 
the companionship of my youthful associates, 
and the pleasure of my religious life, made my 
log-cabin days bright and joyous. The innocent 
amusements, running foot-races, shooting our 
bows and arrows, jumping, foot-ball and play- 
ing prisoner's base, afforded delightful recre- 
ation and real fun. My religious principles 
and experience made me happy and cheerful, 
social and contented. Gathering nuts in the 
autumn, and cracking them on winter evenings 
and distributing the kernels among our friends 
around our log-cabin fires, or in the school- 
house, after a lively spelling match, we always 
enjoyed. 

Hunting Raccoons, was another of our 
pioneer pleasures, combined with profit. I had 



30 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

a dog famous for treeing the game. With two 
other boys, older than myself, with lighted 
torch and axes, we would in the evening enter 
the forest. Our faithful clog following the trail 
of the game, would soon bark at the tree up 
which the raccoon had fled for refuge. We 
would hasten to the spot, and at once begin 
to chop down the tree. As the tree fell our 
dog would catch the game ; or, if it escaped, 
he would soon bark at the tree the game had 
climbed, and our sturdy blows would soon cut 
it down, and the game would be ours. Generally 
we returned home by midnight, with from three 
to six raccoons, and divided the spoils, each boy 
taking care of his portion. Peltry in those 
early days, was largely the currency in the 
transaction of business. 

Log Cabin Life. The five years of my 
boyhood life, attending school in the winter, 
and in manual labor the rest of the year, 
afforded me the advantages of physical and in- 
dustrial training beneficial through all my life. 
During this period, my interest in religion con- 
tinued, and my thirst for knowledge increased. 
Attendance and participation in the religious 
meetings held by the Welsh people, nourished 
my faith, and established my Christian principles. 

The first English sermon that I understood, 
and that fed my soul, was preached, by Rev. 



PIONEER LIFE. 31 

Eussel Bigelow, a Methodist itinerant, in the 
barn of Esquire Adams in our settlement. 
His text was 1 Pet. 1 : 11, " The sufferings of 
Christ, and the glory that should follow," 
describing the person and sufferings of Christ. 
Our hearts were melted, and as he eloquently- 
told of the glory to follow when Christ should 
see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied, 
many of his hearers were moved, and shouted 
aloud till the excitement silenced the voice of 
the powerful and soul-stirring preacher. 

Going from Home to School. In 1827, 
I had graduated in our log cabin school ; and, 
my mother, anxious to comply with the request 
of my father on his death-bed, that his boy, 
should if possible, have a good education, took 
me to Worthington, thirty miles from our home, 
to an academy established by Rt. Rev. Bishop 
Chase, of the Protestant Episcopal church. 
This was the embryo of Kenyon College, now 
located at Gambier, Ohio. 

The school buildings consisted of a large 
frame house, and three large log cabins. We had 
forty students, six of them young Indians from 
Canada and Sandusky. My studies were 
geography, grammar, and algebra, and my 
teachers were Professors Wing, Sparrow, and 
Preston, who took special interest in the back- 
woods youth, and made study my pleasure. 



32 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

One of my classmates, was James B. Clay, son 
of Henry Clay, the distinguished Kentucky 
statesman, a very kind and courteous youth. 

The religious influence, and instruction we 
received were very helpful. Mrs. Chase, a noble 
Christian lady, gave us Bible instruction, and 
encouragement to lead religious lives. The 
eight months I spent here were eminently use- 
ful in promoting my secular, and religious 
education. 

Teaching. In seven years, great improve 
ments were made in our settlement. Under the 
school law of Ohio, a hetved log school-house 
was built and furnished at a cost of $70. Its 
shingled roof, glass windows, seats and desks 
made of boards, and the door hung on iron 
hinges, marked an era of improvement and 
progress in the history of education in the 
settlement. The law required teachers to be 
examined. This ordeal I passed successfully, and 
received a certificate of my qualifications to 
govern and teach a school. I was employed 
at $12 a month, boarding among my patrons, 
kind and hospitable people. I had a large school, 
many of my scholars my seniors in age, respect- 
ful, and anxious to learn. My school work 
was very pleasant, and I hope profitable to my 
scholars. 

Two Young Evangelists. George Russell, 



PIONEER LIFE. 33 

a blind young man, a native of Rhode Island, 
living in the settlement, was interested in reli- 
gion. He was intelligent, and a good singer ; 
though like myself, not a church member, yet 
endeavoring to serve God in an earnest Chris- 
tian life. We were much together, and our 
views of Christianity, our religious experience 
and purpose of life, were much the same. Two 
young men in their teens, one, a school teacher, 
the other a basket maker — without ecclesiastical 
authority or sanction, but constrained by the 
love of Christ and a passion for the salvation 
of souls, we responded to invitations, on week 
evenings and the Sabbath. With the help of 
older Christians, (in the absence of the regular 
ministration of the gospel,) we did the best we 
could in praise, prayer and exhortation, 
worshipping God, and teaching our hearers, 
with evidence that our humble labors were 
not in vain in the Lord. 

Resuming Study. With my earnings by 
teaching school three months, and what funds 
my mother could spare, I went to Gambier, 
Knox county, Ohio, forty miles from my home. 
The institution had been that autumn removed 
from Worthington, and located on a large tract 
of valuable land which Rt. Rev. Bishop Chase, 
with his wise foresight, had secured. What is 
now a beautiful village, with spacious college 



34 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

buildings and pleasant homes, was then an 
almost unbroken wilderness. 

A large frame house had been built, sur- 
rounded with several log houses, and the foun- 
dations laid for a college building. The log 
houses were for recitation rooms, and quarters 
for the students. The bishop had received 
several bales of blankets from his friends in 
England. These we were allowed to use to line 
our log walls, and for bedding, so that, during 
the winter, we were quite comfortable. Seven 
students roomed with me in one of these log 
houses. They were unaccustomed to western 
life among the logs and stumps, especially that 
phase of it which required us to furnish our 
own fuel. Being an expert in the use of the 
axe, and skilled in driving oxen, I made myself 
useful in chopping down ash, sugar, and hick- 
ory trees, growing around our door. On Sat- 
urday, I would haul a fine lot of these logs 
in front of our door and chop them as needed 
during the week. My generous room-mates 
paid me for my labor ; help that I needed in my 
financial affairs. 

During the first term, English literature, Latin 
and mathematics occupied my time. The next 
term, composition, declamation and Greek gram- 
mar, were added. My opportunities were good, 
and I endeavored to improve them. 



PIONEER LIFE. 35 

Many of my fellow students were members 
of the Episcopal church, consistent and active 
in religious duties, and helpful to me in my so- 
cial and religious life. One of them had a Sun- 
day-school three miles north of Gambier, and 
invited me to go out with him and teach a class. 
A walk of six miles with such a companion and 
teaching a Testament class of boys, was a priv- 
ilege and a pleasure, as well as an important 
means of grace. In Gambier I first saw and 
read books published by the American Sunday- 
school Union. My connection with the prepar- 
atory department of Kenyon college, and the 
advantages I enjoyed for social, intellectual 
and religious culture, form an era in my life for 
which to-day I am thankful, to God, and the 
Protestant Episcopal church. Early in the 
spring of 1829, I left Gambier, uncertain as to 
the future, but deeply impressed with my duty 
to make a public profession of religion. Five 
miles from my home in Radnor, a congregation 
of Presbyterians worshipped God, and had Rev. 
Henry Vandeman for pastor, preaching to them 
once a month. 

Uniting with the Chukch. With twenty- 
four others, mostly Welsh people, who held 
letters of dismissal from churches in Wales, I 
united with this church, as did my mother, sis- 
ter, and brother-in-law. 



36 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

The meeting-house was built of hewed logs, 
on a lovely site, in a grove of sugar trees, on 
the farm of Joseph Dunlap, Esq., one of the 
elders. The log house was 30x25 feet, all of 
black walnut, cherry, and oak, the best timber 
that grew. The farmers through the country, 
cut and hewed the logs on their farms, and on a 
certain day hauled them to the selected site ; 
and, the next day, raised the house of the Lord, 
and worked at it till it was finished. The 
American families composing this congregation 
were chiefly from Pennsylvania, and were scat- 
tered over the western half of Delaware 
county. 

This sacramental day, my first communion, 
was an occasion of sacred and special interest. 
The preparatory services on Friday and Satur- 
day were largely attended, and a meeting of 
session held, the pastor moderating, with three 
venerable and godly men, Joseph Dunlap, 
James Flemming and Thomas Cratty, ruling 
elders. 

Then, it was customary that each communi- 
cant should meet the session, and receive a 
token, (a circular piece of lead with the initials 
R. C, Radnor church, stamped on them,) which, 
presented on the Sabbath to one of the elders 
at the head of the table, would entitle the 
bearer to a seat with the communicants. 



PIONEER LIFE. 37 

TJie Sabbath Services. The meeting-house 
was crowded, and as many were without as 
within. Judge James Gillis, of Liberty con- 
gregation, fifteen miles away, and Col. John F. 
Dunlap led the singing. The hymns from 
Watts' first, second, and third books were 
used, two lines given out at a time so that all 
the congregation could unite in the service of 
song. After prayer by the pastor, the new 
members were welcomed to the household of 
faith. Then followed the "action sermon" on 
the sufferings and death of Christ as a vicari- 
ous sacrifice, satisfying the law and vindicating 
the justice of God in the work of redemption. 

After a short interval, the communicants were 
invited to the Lord's table, extending the 
length of the meeting-house. When the com- 
municants were seated, the pastor " fenced the 
table " by showing who were worthy partakers 
and who were not; a very searching, yet encour- 
aging discourse to the weak and trembling dis- 
ciple. On Monday the sacramental service 
closed with two sermons, and a meeting of ses- 
sion, and the reception of inquirers seeking a 
name and a place among the people of God. 

A Retrospect. Nearly sixty-one years have 
elapsed since that first communion. All that 
then commemorated the death of our blessed 
and gracious Saviour, pastor, elders, and com- 



38 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

municants, except myself, have died, and en- 
tered the heavenly rest. That log house has 
passed away, but three Presbyterian meeting- 
houses, of brick, stone, and frame, with churches 
and pastors, are now witnessing for God on the 
territory of the old Radnor Presbyterian church, 
and five Sunday-schools are now sustained in 
the township. Early planting and faithful cul- 
tivation have secured an abundant fruitage. 

My First Sunday-school. A few days 
after our sacramental meeting and my public 
confession of Christ, an aged disciple greeted 
me very cordially, and expressed his great pleas- 
ure that I had united with the church, adding : 
" If you would be steadfast in the faith, grow 
in grace, and be happy in your religious life, you 
must, at once, engage in active service for your 
Lord and Master." 

These kind and suggestive words touched 
my heart and met my approval, and I inquired, 
what I could do to honor God and aid his cause. 

" Well, my young friend, I believe God has a 
work for you to do. When you were a boy in 
Wales, do you remember going to the Sunday- 
school at Bala ? " 

" Yes indeed, I do, for in that Sunday-school 
I was taught to read the Bible, to know and 
love my Saviour." 

"I think," said my aged friend, "that we 



PIONEER LIFE. 39 

should have a Sunday-school in Radnor, and 
now is the time to begin the good work." 

After consultation on the subject, and advis- 
ing with other friends, our plans matured, a 
public meeting was called for the purpose of 
eliciting the interest of the people, and to ar- 
range for opening the school. 

This meeting was held in the log chapel, near 
the graveyard, and the attendance was encour- 
aging. Our plans were made known and dis- 
cussed, and by an unanimous vote it was re- 
solved, that we would establish a Sunday- 
school Society and start the school on the 
following Sunday. The organization provided, 
that each member should pay annually a " bit," 
(twelve and a half cents,) the funds to be ex- 
pended in purchasing books. 

April 18, 1829, the school was opened in the 
log chapel; thirty adults and youth attended, 
and were divided into two classes. My old 
friend took charge of the Welsh department, 
and the young disciple, of the English. The 
Welsh department was mainly adults, and con- 
ducted on the Welsh plan, asking and answer- 
ing questions, and reciting Scripture from mem- 
ory. My department, youth from ten to 
eighteen, was divided into two classes; one 
using Webster's Spelling-book, the other, the 
New Testament, three reading out of the same 



40 THE STOKY OF MY LIFE. 

book, the supply of books in English being very 
limited. 

Securing the Books. The subscriptions 
being paid, amounting to $6.25, a goodly sum 
for the times when money was so scarce, I was ap- 
pointed to go to Gambier, where Prof. Wing, 
interested in every good word and work, had a 
small depository of the publications of the 
American Sunday-school Union, and the Ameri- 
can Bible Society. On horseback, with large sad- 
dle bags, and a lunch, I traveled forty miles 
through a sparsely settled country, and reached 
my destination before sunset. I was kindly 
received by Mrs. Chase, the professors, and 
students, pleased to find that I was on such an 
errand. Prof. Wing, dealt very generously 
with me, so that my $6.25 furnished such a 
supply of books, that my large saddle bags 
were insufficient to hold them, and a par- 
cel, strapped behind my saddle, was required 
for their transportation. 

On my way home, delighted with my suc- 
cess, at the noon hour, I called at a farm- 
house, and asked if I could have my horse 
fed. " Yes sir," was the pleasant reply, "and 
you can have something to eat yourself. We 
always like to see strangers, and talk with 
them." He inquired into my business in trav- 
elling with such bundles. I told him about the 



PIONEER LIFE. 41 

Sunc^-school we had established in Radnor, 
and about the books. He was much interested, 
and said : " Such a school on Sunday, must be a 
mighty good thing. I wish we could have one 
in this settlement." Rested and refreshed, I 
was ready to continue my journey, and asked 
for my bill. My kind host replied : " You are 
very welcome. I wish you could stay longer. 
When you pass this way, always stop with us ; 
we like such visitors." 

At nightfall I reached home, and the next 
Sunday the new books were introduced into the 
school. All of my scholars were supplied with 
the " Bible Reader " and the Testament, and 
all who could read, took home with them a 
library book, the demand exhausting the sup- 
ply. Every book went at once into active 
service. 

Our work prospered, and good men and 
women became our helpers. John N. Cox 
and Morgan Williams, were appointed superin- 
tendents, and several new teachers secured. 

Our record book, made by folding two sheets 
of foolscap paper, contained the constitution, 
the list of members, and of scholars. The 
school was now, in the second month of its 
existence, well organized, and I continued my 
class of young people using the English lan- 
guage. 



42 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Employment was found in teaching a daily- 
school — a labor I greatly enjoyed. With my 
blind friend, and true yoke-fellow in evangelistic 
work, accepting invitations to hold religious 
meetings in our own and surrounding settle- 
ments, on week evenings and Sunday afternoons, 
we met with good and attentive audiences, and 
spent the time in singing, prayer, and exhorta- 
tion. In our humble and informal way, we did 
the best we could to instruct our hearers, and 
to persuade them to believe in the Lord Jesus 
Christ, to repent of sin, to lead a true Chris- 
tian life ; and we had the satisfaction of find- 
ing awakened souls, inquiring what they must 
do to be saved, and some expressed their faith 
in the Saviour, and their decision to serve him 
and to unite with his people. 



CHAPTER III. 

EAELY EDUCATION. 

THE Death of a Young Woman. In 
my school district lived a family from 
Pennsylvania, the aged grandmother, a member 
of the Lutheran church before her immigration 
west. As I was boarding around, I spent a 
week in this home. I was invited to engage in 
family worship, and to converse with a grand- 
daughter, an invalid, on the subject of reli- 
gion. These duties I was glad to perform. 
The young woman was very feeble, suffering 
from consumption. She was deeply concerned 
about her soul, and her future destiny, — her 
mind was aroused, and evidently receptive of 
the truth, but her knowledge of divine things 
was very limited. I read the Word of God and 
explained it as best I could, imploring the aid 
of the Holy Spirit. Light beamed upon her 
awakened mind, so that she found peace in be- 
lieving, and expressed her trust in Jesus ; and, 
having thus tasted that the Lord was gracious, 
she testified of his love, and entreated her un- 
converted companions to embrace religion and 

(43) 



44 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

live godly lives. The last week of my school, 
the young woman died, rejoicing in Christ, and 
in her hope of salvation through his atoning 
blood. I called on the bereaved family to sym- 
pathize with them in the time of their sorrow. 
The aged grandmother, as there was no min- 
ister of the gospel in the settlement, invited me 
to conduct the funeral service. I told her that 
I was not capable, and had no authority to per- 
form such service. But she insisted, saying: 
44 We don't want to bury the dear child without 
some religious service. God will help you, and 
the family will be satisfied." 

I was perplexed by this invitation to perform 
such a serious duty, and hastened for conference 
with an aged Christian friend, a wise counsellor. 

He heard my statement, and said : 44 Under 
the circumstances, I think it is your duty to ac- 
cept the invitation, and do the best you can." 
I asked for his help to prepare a discourse suit- 
able for the occasion. He took the Welsh Bible 
from the shelf, and said : 44 About twenty years 
ago I heard a sermon in Wales on this text, 
Amos 4:12, 4 Prepare to meet thy God, O 
Israel/ The preacher showed, that by nature, 
we were unprepared to meet God in the duties 
of life, in the hour of death, and at the judg- 
ment seat of Christ. Then, he showed what 
preparation we needed and how to secure it. 



EARLY EDUCATION. 45 

Now, you know what the Bible says about sin, 
and salvation. Tell the people that, and God 
will help you." 

This conversation was in the Welsh lan- 
guage. I went to my mother's home, a few 
miles away, and arranged my notes in English. 
I spent a sleepless and anxious night, fearing 
lest I was presumptuous in assuming the per- 
formance of this duty providentially laid upon 
me, and in anxiety, lest I should fail in the 
proper improvement of the solemn occasion. 

The funeral was the next day. I found a 
large number of people at the house and around 
it. In great weakness and trembling, I entered 
Upon my work. The seats in the house were 
all taken by the women, and the men stood in 
front of the door. Standing on the threshold, 
I read a hymn, which the congregation sang. I 
then read the fifteenth chapter of First Corin- 
thians, offered prayer, and delivered my mes- 
sage in the name of the Lord. 

After the burial, the aged grandmother invited 
me to take supper with the family ; and, as I 
was leaving for my home, she thanked me for my 
services, and gave me an old Spanish coin, a 
pistareen, the eighth of a dollar, a piece of 
money current at the time, and known as " a 
bit." I gave the coin to my mother for safe 
keeping, and she preserved it sacredly as a me- 



46 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

mento of that funeral service ; and, now, we 
have it as an heir-loom in our family, a memo- 
rial of my unofficial, but sincere effort to console 
a bereaved family, and to honor the Master 
whom I served. 

Pioneer Life. The way homes were made, 
and a living secured by the adventurous settlers 
in the unbroken forests of Central Ohio, is to 
the present generation a lost art. Their priva- 
tions, toils, and trials, are worthy of record. 

The Government, owning the public land, 
sold it at $ 1.25 an acre, exempt from taxation 
for five years after it was bought by the hardy 
pioneer. After selecting and purchasing his 
land, a log cabin was built for his home, and the 
work of clearing the forest commenced. This 
required a strong arm and a courageous heart. 
When the brush was burnt, and the trunks of 
the trees cut into logs, by the help of his neigh- 
bors they were made into heaps and burnt. 
Then in the virgin soil among the stumps he 
would plant corn, potatoes, beans, and pump- 
kins, and wait patiently for the time of harvest. 

Wild game abounded, and with his trusty 
rifle his table was supplied with choice veni- 
son and turkej r . When the first year of toil 
and hardship is passed, his skies brighten, — 
home comforts increase, his barn is built, and 
his fields yield plentifully the fruits of the 



EARLY EDUCATION. 47 

earth — his home is established and life is en- 
joyed. 

Sickness and Suffering. In the autumn of the 
year, fever and ague and bilious troubles pre- 
vailed among the settlers, and no physicians or 
drug stores being available, they had to rely on 
simple home remedies. Suffering from fever and 
ague, a kind-hearted neighbor skilled in the 
healing art treated me, using lobelia tea, a 
decoction of burdock roots ; and, as a tonic, 
dogwood and cherry bark steeped in whisky. 
These remedies were found at our cabin doors, 
except the whisky, and we found that thereby 
our sufferings were mitigated, and a cure 
effected. 

Clothing. By the time our clothing brought 
from Wales had worn out we had produced flax 
from which my thrifty and industrious mother, 
with the help of a neighboring loom, manu- 
factured linen and towcloth ; and in a few 
years our sheep afforded wool, which was carded, 
spun, and woven into excellent linsey. 

A Relic. The flax spinning-wheel my mother 
used in 1822, which I now have, is an interest- 
ing reminder of my own labor in raising the 
flax, and preparing it for the spinning-wheel, as 
well as of the toil of a beloved and faithful 
parent. Before shoes could be obtained, 
moccasins were used. These were home-made, 



48 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

or obtained by bartering with the Wyandot 
Indians from the Sandusky reservation who 
visited the settlement. My experience in the 
realities of pioneer life, trained to habits of 
industry, economy, and self-reliance, has been 
a great advantage in preparing me for the work 
of life, and blessing my old age with health 
and vigor of mind and body. 

An Important Decision. During the sum- 
mer of 1829, while engaged in my Sun- 
day-school, and exercising my gifts in our 
religious meetings, looking to God for guidance, 
and conferring with my mother and trusted 
friends, I determined to study for the gospel 
ministry. For some time this matter had oc- 
cupied my thoughts, and was the subject of 
earnest prayer ; but the difficulties in the way 
of obtaining the education required to enter the 
Presbyterian ministry, seemed insurmountable. 
Yielding to my clear convictions of duty, and, 
in the light God shed on my path, my heart was 
fixed, and to preach the gospel became the one 
idea of my life. 

Granville, Ohio. At the close of my school 
in August, 1829, I went afoot to Granville, 
forty miles from my home, to study Latin and 
Greek under Rev. Jacob Little, D.D., that, if 
possible, I might enter the freshman class at 
the Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, in the fall.. 



EARLY EDUCATION. 49 

Here, I prosecuted my studies with advantage. 
The preaching of Dr. Little, and fellowship with 
his people, greatly strengthened my soul in the 
graces of the Spirit, and Christian work. Here, 
I first united with a temperance society, and 
became interested in its operations. 

Entering College. In November, my 
brother-in-law, John Humphreys, a good man, 
who almost as a father cared for me, and also 
cultivated my mother's farm, took me on horse- 
back 140 miles, to Athens, the seat of the Ohio 
University, where, rather poorly prepared, I 
entered the freshman class. The president, the 
venerable Dr. R. G. Wilson, with words of 
cheer, encouraged me to enter, upon my studies. 
Rev. John Spaulding D.D., pastor of the Pres- 
byterian church, received me w r ith great 
cordiality, invited me to attend church and the 
weekly prayer-meeting, and to teach a class 
of boys in the Sunday-school. Two of my 
scholars, w r ho were living with their godly par- 
ents in Athens, became ministers of the gos- 
pel, Rev. E. P. Pratt, D.D., late of Ports- 
mouth, Ohio, and Rev. H. W. Taylor, D.D., 
now of Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, both of them 
able ministers, and faithful watchmen on the 
walls of Zion. Dr. Spaulding was much inter- 
ested in the students, and especially in their 
religious welfare. He had remarkable gifts as a 



50 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Bible class teacher, and a large number of the 
students received the benefit of his valuable in- 
struction, and several of them became ministers 
of the gospel. 

A Wonderful Revival in the winter of 
1830-1831, blessed the churches of Athens. 
Seventy members of the pastor's Bible class 
were added to the Presbyterian Church, and an 
equal number of other converts. This revival 
in Athens, and the recent death of my beloved 
and only sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Humphrey, in 
Radnor, brought special blessings to enrich 
and strengthen my spiritual life, and in which 
I now rejoice. 

Sent on a Mission. Rev. Addison Kings- 
bury, D.D., now of Marietta, Ohio, and beyond 
the nineties in the years of his life, was then 
pastor of the Presbyterian church of Belpre, a 
village on the Ohio river thirty-five miles from 
Athens. He was assisting Dr. Spaulding in the 
revival, and rendering faithful service. That 
Dr. Kingsbury might continue his labors at 
Athens, I was invited by my pastor, with the 
consent of President Wilson, to go to Belpre 
and read two sermons on the Sabbath. With 
many misgivings and much fear I consented to 
go. Furnished with a horse and saddle, I left 
on Saturday morning, and reached my destina- 
tion in the evening. Delivering a letter from 



EARLY EDUCATION. 51 

Dr. Kingsbury to Deacon Howe, I was well re- 
ceived, and spent a pleasant evening in the 
family, conversing on religious subjects and the 
revival at Athens. 

In my chamber, I examined the sermons 
which T was to read. The dry, dogmatic the- 
ology they contained, failed to interest my own 
mind. These sermons were very different from 
the gospel preaching we enjoyed at Athens where 
so many souls were convicted of sin, and led to 
Jesus for deliverance from its guilt and power. 
In the morning I asked the deacon to examine 
these discourses, for I was in straits what to do. 
He did so, and relieved me by saying: "Instead 
of reading these sermons, if you will tell the 
congregation as you did us last night about the 
work of grace in Athens, it will be very ac- 
ceptable." 

A large congregation had assembled, and 
Deacon Howe explained why Dr. Kingsbury 
was absent ; and, with kind words, introduced 
the young student to conduct the service of the 
morning. My simple narrative of the origin, 
progress, and results of the revival, with illus- 
trations of the awakening and conversion of 
some of my fellow students, evidently interested 
my appreciative hearers. 

The morning meeting I enjoyed ; but I 
dreaded the second service, as I had no spe- 



52 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

cial preparation, but the good deacon came to 
my rescue, and said : " We will help you. I will 
ask two of the brethren to pray, and you can 
give us a talk as the Spirit of God may direct." 
The singing was good, and the prayers fervent, 
and God gave me utterance to press the claims 
of Christ, and to persuade my unconverted 
hearers, now, to accept and enjoy this great 
salvation. In the evening, a number of people 
gathered at Deacon Howe's, and we spent its 
hours in sweet and profitable converse, closing 
a delightful Sabbath day. 

Returning to Athens. Having departed from 
my instructions and discharged my duty in such 
an irregular way, I felt troubled in prospect of 
meeting Dr. Spaulding and accounting for my 
service. I handed him a letter from Deacon 
Howe. Having read it, he said, with one of his 
pleasant smiles : " You did not read the sermons, 
but the deacon says, the way you filled the ap- 
pointment was satisfactory, and that the people 
would like to have you visit Belpre again." 
Thus approved, I felt relieved of my anxiety, 
and gratified that my labors were approved. 

Help in Need. At the close of my soph- 
omore year, I passed my examination all right, 
and was enrolled in the junior class; but my 
finances to meet the expenses of my third 
year, were very low, and on that account my 



EARLY EDUCATION. 53 

continuance at the University doubtful. For 
two years I had boarded in a first-class house 
for one dollar a week, and thus far I was out 
of debt. 

I made known my straitened circumstances 
to my landlady, Mrs. Brice, a kind, Christian 
woman. She heard- my statement, and said: 
" You have often assisted me when I needed 
help, and now, if you return to Athens, I will 
board you for half a dollar a week." These 
were pleasant and inspiring words; and settled 
the question of my return. 

Vacation. This generous offer prepared me 
to enjoy my vacation ; and my walk of 140 miles 
in four and a half days I performed without 
weariness. As I approached my home, a dust- 
covered traveller, I saw my mother in the yard. 
Accosting her, she failed to recognize me. 
Thinking that her boy was far away, and, 
without information of his coming, w r e had quite 
a conversation, before, with clasped hands 
around my neck, she exclaimed : " My dear 
boy, how glad I am to see 3*011, and that you 
look so well ! " That evening, the weekly 
prayer-meeting was held in our house. The 
greetings of old friends were delightful, and 
the hour of prayer refreshed my soul. 

In a few days, I engaged in teaching school ; 
and, as invitations came to me, I resumed my 



54 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

labors as a lay evangelist, and devoted my 
Sabbath mornings to the Sunday-school which 
we established in 1829, now large and flour- 
ishing. 

A Fatal Disease, called " milk sickness," 
prevailed in the settlement. As I had time, I 
visited the sick and dying, ministering to 
them the consolations of the gospel, and for the 
relief of their sufferings. On a Sabbath morn- 
ing, as I was on my way to the Sunday-school, 
and to hold meeting in the log chapel, I called 
on a family of religious people and intimate 
friends. I found the husband very ill with the 
"milk sickness," and in a critical condition as 
the physician thought, and his good wife I found 
weary with serving, and burdened with anxiety. 
On my return, I called, and found the husband 
much better and considered out of danger, but 
his wife was greatly excited, and alarmed about 
herself. Resuming her usual quiet manner, she 
said : " In the afternoon, I lay down to rest, 
and, in my sleep, dreamed of the 13th chapter, 
and 16th verse in Jeremiah. I found the verse 
in my Bible and I never had observed it before. 
I feel that it is a warning from God ; for, of 
late I have declined in my religious life, and 
soon, my feet will strike against the dark moun- 
tains. Pray for me." During the week she was 



EARLY EDUCATION. 55 

prostrated by the terrible disease, and died the 
following Sabbath. 

The circumstances of her warning, and sud- 
den death, triumphant and peaceful, deeply 
impressed the community, and many professors 
of religion, and some unconverted people were 
led to give glory unto the Lord their God. I 
was invited to speak at her funeral, an occa- 
sion of profound and solemn interest. 

My vacation of three months was very pleas- 
antly spent in teaching school, and doing good 
as I had the heart and the opportunity. 

Return to College. With the proceeds 
of school-teaching and the funds my mother 
provided I returned to Athens, and entered 
upon my studies in the junior year. This was 
a profitable year in the prosecution of my edu- 
cation, and I hope, in the development of my 
Christian character and life. 

On the way to Athens, I spent two days in 
Columbus resting, enjoying the society of Chris- 
tian friends, and visiting the State charitable 
and penal institutions. In good health, the 
weather pleasant, and the road good, in three 
days I reached my destination. I had a very 
pleasant home, kind associates, in college and 
in the town, enjoying my work in the church 
and Sunday-school. My junior year closing, 
for satisfactory reasons I asked the faculty 



66 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

for a dismission, as a junior, to the Miami Uni- 
versity at Oxford, Ohio, which was granted. 

I returned home, enjoying my walk of one 
hundred and forty miles in less than five days. 
During the year, a frame house had been built, 
and other improvements made, so that I 
scarcely recognized my old home, but the old 
welcome remained the same. I was delighted 
with the health and cheer of my venerable 
mother in charge of three motherless grand- 
children, yet happy and genial as ever, and 
ripening for the better land. 

I spent nearly three months as I had the 
previous year teaching school, evangelizing, and 
in Sunday-school work. 

In the midst of these labors, I was embar- 
rassed and discouraged by the knowledge, 
that some of my friends and brethren were 
offended at my course, and disapproved of my 
conduct in holding religious meetings without 
ecclesiastical authority, holding that I was ir- 
regular in my labors, and should desist. No ob- 
jection was made to the orthodoxy of my teach- 
ing, or methods of work ; but, simply, that I had 
no authority, and had not finished my education. 
Willing to be in subjection to my brethren, 
and give no offence, I gave up my evangelistic 
services in school-houses, and homes where I 
found hearers ; but my conscience was ill at 



EARLY EDUCATION. 57 

ease, and invitations to hold these meetings 
continued to reach me. Casting my cares up- 
on the Lord, conferring with prudent and faith- 
ful friends, and, loyal to my own convictions 
of duty, my Christian courage enabled me to 
hold on my way, telling, as opportunity offered, 
to my fellow men, the " old, old, story of Jesus 
and his love." 

Enter Miami University. This was at Ox- 
ford, Ohio, one hundred and twentj^-five miles 
from my home, with no public conveyance. A 
friend, with his family, wife, mother, and three 
children, was going to Oxford in a one-horse 
Dearborn wagon, and kindly offered to carry 
my baggage, (by no means heavy,) and I could 
exercise my pedestrian gifts. 

With my mother's blessing, and $45, the pro- 
ceeds of selling a colt and a cow, and $25, the 
unexpended balance of the money earned by 
teaching, I left my home, joined my friend a 
few miles west of Delaware, deposited my bag- 
gage and a well filled basket of provisions in 
his wagon, and in five days we reached Ox- 
ford, where his friends showed me no little 
kindness. 

Interview with the President. To 
Rev. R. H. Bishop, D.D., I presented my cre- 
dentials from the faculty at Athens. These he 
examined, and, in his kind and inspiring way 



58 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

said : " These are all right, and I am glad to 
welcome a religious young man ; but our rules 
require in entering an advanced class that the 
candidate should be on trial for a month. If the 
trial is satisfactory, you will be enrolled in the 
senior class of twenty good young men." He 
also said : " Our term does not open for two 
weeks. You can employ your time in study, 
and in becoming acquainted." 

I told him that I was a Welshman. He 
laughed, and said : " Well, well, and I am an 
old Scotchman. There is a Welsh settlement 
fourteen miles south of Oxford. They are a 
good religious people, and have no minister. It 
will be pleasant for you to visit them." 

The next day, with a letter from Dr. Bishop, 
I walked to the settlement, and was well 
received. On Sunday, I was invited to lead 
their religious service conducted in Welsh. The 
Sunday-school, Welsh and English, was small, 
and poorly supplied with books. By request, 
in the evening, I addressed in English a good 
audience on the Sunday-school and its mission. 
The few days I spent with these Christ loving 
people, renewed my spiritual life, and encour- 
aged my heart in the work of the Lord. 

Resuming My Studies. Returning to Ox- 
ford, I found the term opened, and over two 
hundred students in attendance. I paid my 



EARLY EDUCATION. 59 

tuition, bought text-books, furnished my ward- 
robe with needed articles of clothing, and 
engaged boarding in an excellent house at one 
dollar a week. 

My certificate of church membership I pre- 
sented to Rev. H. Little, pastor of the Presby- 
terian church, whose genial, warm-hearted wel- 
come cheered my heart. 

My trial month was drawing to a close, and 
I felt anxious lest I should fail to hold my place 
in the senior class. We had daily prayers before 
breakfast in the University chapel, all the stu- 
dents being present. On Saturday morning, 
when Dr. Bishop read the proceedings of the 
faculty, the announcement was made that I was 
admitted a regular senior. With a glad heart, 
and a good appetite, I went to my breakfast, little 
dreaming what a collapse I was soon to experi- 
ence. 

A Collapse. My expenditures had been 
heavy, my funds, except six dollars, had disap- 
peared. I paid the landlord my bill for the 
month, and had two dollars left. Financial 
weakness was now my trouble. The boarding 
house was all right, the fare and my associates 
were all I could wish; but to stay without 
money, looked gloomy. I made my financial 
condition known to the landlord ; and, that my 
mother had a good farm ; and, in the spring, 



60 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

she would have some stock to sell, and he would 
get his pay. Hesitating a moment, he said: 
" Some of the students run off, and never pay : 
so, I have given up the credit system. If you 
give me good security you may stay." As I 
was a stranger, this I could not furnish, so I 
was left with only two dollars, and no place to 
board. The joyous feelings of the early morn- 
ing gave way to sadness and perplexity. To a 
senior, equipped for my work, and happy in my 
college life, this was a bitter experience. 

With a burdened heart, I returned to my 
room, and sat down overwhelmed in my dis- 
tress. In my trouble, I thought of God and my 
mother, and bowed in prayer, but I found no 
relief. Then, I called in memory, the great and 
precious promises of God, and my mind rested 
on the words, " My God shall supply all your 
need according to his riches in glory by Christ 
Jesus." Then, a spirit of supplication filled my 
soul, and in my distress I called on the name of 
the Lord, and he heard me. Delivered from 
unbelief and doubt, my soul was filled with 
peace and trust, and a delightful confiding sub- 
mission to the will of God, assured that a way 
would open for me to continue my studies. 

After the storm, I enjoyed a blessed calm : I 
was no longer tossed on the waves, but on a 
smooth sea, and a bright sky, a happy, trustful 



EARLY EDUCATION. 61 

voyager. I could now study, and prepared my 
lessons for Monday. Amazed, and thankful for 
what God had done for me, I went to the after- 
noon prayer-meeting held by the students in the 
University chapel. A large number were pre- 
sent, and it was good to be there. A post- 
graduate, Charles Sturdevant, studying theo- 
logy under Dr. Bishop, related how, when in 
great straits for means to prosecute his studies, 
the Lord, in a way he knew not of, provided for 
his wants. Leaving the chapel, I walked with 
him. He was a big-hearted Kentuckian, a lovely 
Christian, and a kind friend. Knowing that he 
could sympathize with me, I told him my story 
of dependence and need. 

Bachelor's Hall. He gave me words of 
encouragement and said that he was keeping 
"bachelor's hall," (boarding himself) and 
invited me to share his hospitality till Monday, 
when some way would open to bring me relief. 
At a small expense, he maintained an establish- 
ment of his own, lived comfortably, and enjoyed 
good health. For our supper we had mush and 
molasses. To his dinnerless guest, the food was 
delicious, and enjoyed. On Sunday, we feasted 
on good bread, cold beef, and ginger tea, 
attended church and the town Sunday-school in 
the morning, and in the afternoon ; while listen- 
ing in the University chapel to Prof. W. H. 



62 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

McGuffey preaching a sermon of great power 
with an unction from above, I forgot all my 
troubles, and feasted on the marrow of the 
gospel, given to us by that prince of preachers, 
and profound divine. 

Monday morning, Brother Sturdevant intro- 
duced me to Mr. Charles Spinning, a merchant 
in Oxford, and an elder in the Presbyterian 
church. He heard my statement, and said : " I 
have seen you in our prayer-meeting and Sunday- 
school. I will be glad to give you credit for 
what you may require for self-support. I like 
to help worthy young men." 

Daylight now beamed on the darkness of 
the night in which I had been enveloped. The 
goods necessary to keep bachelor's hall were 
selected, and a small supply of staples to start 
my new " modus vivendi " carried to my room. 
My log cabin life, helping my mother in the 
culinary department, was of service now, and I 
felt much at home in my new environments. In 
those days, provisions were cheap, corn meal 
was a bit (12J cents) a half bushel, potatoes the 
same, beef, one and a half cent a pound, choice 
cuts at that. If I could indulge in the luxuries, 
Lathrop, the baker, sold a very large loaf of 
good bread for a fip, (6£ cents). An old 
account book, now before me, tells the story of 
my expenditures during that term. My self- 



EARLY EDUCATION". 63 

boarding bill, including the cost of outfit §2.35, 
for twenty-one weeks, was 610, or, without the 
outfit, 81.65, not quite thirty-seven cents a week. 

During this time, I had good health, and 
excellent facilities for hard study, and realized 
that my poverty was a blessing in disguise. In 
the summer, when I did not need fire in my 
room, I gave up " bacheloring," though I 
enjoyed k, and entered a club at half a dollar a 
week, and found no improvement in the quality, 
variety, and cooking of our food. 

My senior year, in order to sustain my stand- 
ing in the class, and the review of previous 
studies for the final examination, demanded 
hard and constant study ; but the final exami- 
nation successfully passed, was an ample com- 
pensation for my anxiety and application dur- 
ing the four years of my college life. 

Candidate for the Ministry. Advised 
by my pastor and Dr. Bishop, always my true 
and faithful friend, and in accord with the 
cherished purpose of my heart to devote my 
life to the gospel ministry, and anxious to 
enter the work as soon as the way was open, I 
offered myself to the Presbytery of Oxford, in 
session at Venice, Butler county, Ohio, April 2, 
1833. After the usual examination on my per- 
sonal religious experience, and my object in 
seeking the ministry, with Jos. G. Monfort and 



64 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Thomas F. Thomas, members of the junior class 
in the University, I was received under the care 
of Presbytery, and as part of trial, was assigned, 
"De Christo" for a Latin exegesis. 

This was a serious and very important step 
in my life, a new inspiration and incentive to 
prepare for the great work before me, and for 
which I thanked God and took courage. Two 
post-graduates were studying Hebrew under 
Prof. Armstrong, an enthusiastic linguist, and 
during the vacation I was his pupil. 

Graduation. After the commencement 
exercises in September, 1833, and receiving my 
diploma, I returned home to Radnor, travelling 
most of the way, through the kindness of a 
farmer, in his wagon. There I spent a few 
weeks, working on the farm, aiding the Sunday- 
school, and holding religious services with 
tokens of divine favor. 

My finances would not allow me to go East 
to a theological seminary, but by my economical 
method of living, I could accept the kind 
offer of the president and professors at Oxford 
to give me instruction. So I returned to Oxford, 
and, with six other graduates and the two post- 
graduates, entered upon the study of theology 
under Dr. Bishop ; of church history, under 
Rev. J. W. Scott, D.D., (the honored father- 
in-law of President Benjamin Harrison, and 



EARLY EDUCATION. 65 

with him in the Executive Mansion) ; under 
Prof. Armstrong, of homiletics ; under Prof. 
McGuffey, of Greek and Hebrew, a faculty, 
eminent for scholarship, gifted in teaching, and 
able preachers of the Word. 

Studying Theology. The theological class 
consisted of Charles Sturclevant, B. F. Morris, 
Jer. Morrow, John A. Meeks, John Wilson, 
James and Thomas Turner, the three last from 
South Carolina, members of the Associate 
Reformed church. Two of us are still at work, 
after the lapse of fifty-five years. 

Our professors and Pastor Little encouraged 
us to spend our leisure time in distributing 
Bibles and religious tracts ; and on Sunday, to 
hold meetings in the school-houses around 
Oxford, and aid in Sunday-school work. 

During the summer, I spent, by invitation, 
and the approval of my professors, alternate 
Sabbaths in Paddy's Run, that church being 
vacant. The Sunday-school was prospering, 
and a library of books of the American Sunday- 
school Union, was highly appreciated and use- 
ful. My congregation increased, and my labors 
in Welsh and English interested, and, I hope, 
instructed my hearers in the knowledge of 
Divine truth. At the close of the year, the 
funds furnished by my faithful mother, with 
the money I received for my services at Paddy's 



66 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Run, were expended, and it was necessary for 
me to seek employment. This I found in the 
village of Venice, several responsible citizens 
guaranteeing $20 per month and my board for 
teaching. My charge for tuition was three 
dollars a quarter, double the usual price. I 
encountered much opposition, and, at first, I 
had but few scholars. I did my best to interest 
and instruct the few that attended, and made 
my school as attractive as possible. My schol- 
ars rapidly increased, and soon every seat in 
the school-house was occupied and I could take 
no more scholars. At the close of my quarter 
I had made $120, a large sum to make by teach- 
ing school at that time. 

Church Work. Venice being four miles 
from Paddy's Run and the church still vacant, 
I usually spent Saturday and Sabbath at the 
latter, visiting the families, helping the Sunday- 
school, now large and interesting, and holding 
religious services in Welsh and English. The 
people had a heart to work, and the Lord 
blessed the church with nineteen applicants for 
membership. Rev. S. F. Scovel, pastor of the 
church at Harrison, ten miles away, who had 
often preached at Paddy's Run, was invited 
to administer the ordinances, and receive these 
new members into the church. His labors for 



EARLY EDUCATION. 67 

several days were highly appreciated, and re- 
sulted in much good. 

Application for Licensure, was made six 
months before, but it miscarried. Since my 
reception under the care of Presbytery, I had 
attended every meeting, and performed my 
parts of trial, and my examinations were sus- 
tained. Two candidates, who had studied the- 
ology two years, were to be licensed. Hav- 
ing performed all the trial parts but the pop- 
ular sermon, and Dr. Bishop having assigned me 
a text, and I having prepared the discourse 
which he examined and approved, I determined 
to ask for licensure at that meeting. A mem- 
ber of Presbytery opposed, because I had not 
met the requirements of the Book of Disci- 
pline. He asked me how long I had studied 
theology. 

I replied. " From a child,. I have studied the 
Holy Scriptures.'' 

u Young man, you evade my question. When 
did you graduate ? v 

•" A year ago." 

" What have you been doing since?" 

" Studying theology under the professors at 
Oxford." 

" Are you in the habit of going around 
preaching, running before you are sent ? " 

" Yes, sir, for three or four years I have, as 



68 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

God helped me, addressed the people that came 
to hear me on religious subjects." 

" Do you take a text and go into the pulpit 
like a regular minister ? " 

"If there is a pulpit, I generally enter it, 
for advantage in delivering my message, and 
I would read a text as a good starting point." 

The good brother, with considerable feeling, 
then said : "Young man, your course has been 
disorderly, and you have not met the demands 
of the book as it regards time. I am there- 
fore opposed to your getting a license," add- 
ing, " Indeed brethren, I feel that the young 
man deserves a censure." 

I withdrew my application, and the Presby- 
tery took no action, but had a recess for an hour. 
Dr. Bishop, with his usual kindness, said to me 
in his room : " Bear this disappointment cheer- 
fully, and submit to the will of the Presbytery ; 
but, you need not give up your public speak- 
ing ; only don't go into the pulpit, or announce 
your text, and next spring you will find the 
Presbytery ready to grant you a license." 

As previously narrated, I went to Venice, 
spent three happy months in teaching and in gos- 
pel labors, honored of God at Paddy's Run, de- 
voting what time I could to theological study 
and writing sermons. 

Licensed to Pkeach. April 7, 1835, Pres- 



EARLY EDUCATION. 69 

briery met in Oxford, with a full attendance. 
My application for licensure was renewed, and 
Dr. Bishop moved that my popular sermon be 
heard. It was approved, and my old friend 
who objected six months before, and thought I 
was disorderly and worthy of censure, moved 
that Presbytery now proceed to license the 
young brother. He was very cordial, and bade 
me God-speed in preaching the gospel and in 
winning souls to Christ and his church. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE OLD HOME AND EARLY WORK. 

A Visit to Wales. Introduced into the 
ministry, a field of labor was open for me 
at Paddy's Run. To qualify myself for preach- 
ing in the Welsh language, I determined to visit 
my native land. A venerable uncle, brother to 
my mother, promised to defray my expenses. 
With less than two hundred dollars I started 
on my journey early in May. I was three days 
in going from Cincinnati to Wheeling on a 
steamboat ; thence in a stage on the National 
Road to Baltimore ; thence to New York, a 
tedious and expensive journey, occupying ten 
days. 

The Black Ball liner, " Caledonia," was to 
sail for Liverpool in two days. I found that my 
funds were not sufficient to take cabin passage 
at $125. 

In my perplexity, home-sick and discouraged, 
I resolved to retrace my way back to Ohio. 

Meeting a Friend. On the dock, I made 
the acquaintance of a young Scotchman, return- 
ing from an exploring tour in the States, and 

(70) 



THE OLD HOME AND EARLY WORK. 71 

being short of money he had taken steerage 
passage. I found that he was a Presbyterian, 
intelligent, an experienced traveller, and very 
companionable. He kindly took me for a part- 
ner, and this encouraged me to continue my trip. 
We bought our steerage tickets for $25 each, 
bought our mattrass and bedding, laid in our 
provisions and cooking utensils, and sent them 
to the ship. We had a berth near the hatch- 
way, with only a few fellow-passengers ; and the 
outlook for a pleasant voyage was encouraging, 
and that we would enjoy life on the ocean 
wave. 

Out at Sea. We had fair weather two days, 
but on the third, in a storm, sea-sickness cap- 
tured me, and I was nearly a week in my berth. 
My friend was a brother indeed, and ministered 
as an angel of mercy while I was a helpless suf- 
ferer. On a calm day he almost forced me out 
of my berth and helped me on deck. This was 
a curative movement, and I soon recovered. 
The last half of our thirty days' voyage I really 
enjoyed, and rendered efficient help in reducing 
our store of provisions. 

On the dock at Liverpool, with real regret, I 
parted with Thomas Lomax, the young Scotch- 
man, a true friend, a brother beloved in the 
Lord. 

In a Welsh Sunday-school. In Liver- 



72 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

pool, where I remained several days, on Sunday 
I found the Great Cross Hall Street Welsh 
chapel. It was the Sunday-school hour. As I 
entered I was greeted in the language in which 
I was born, and invited to take a seat in a large 
class of men, each with his Bible in his hand. 
The Welsh method of teaching was in full play. 
Teacher and scholars, with great freedom and 
knowledge of the Divine Word, were asking and 
answering questions and expressing their views. 
The class was evidently made up of men in 
humble life, artisans and laborers, but they were 
well instructed in the Word of God. 

At the close of the session, which had con- 
tinued nearly two hours, the teacher asked me 
what part of Wales I was from, and where I 
lived in Liverpool. 

I replied that I was an American, just landed, 
from New York. 

" I should think you had been in Sunday- 
schools in that country ? " 

" Yes, I have, and have shared largely in the 
benefits it confers." 

" Are you a preacher ? " 

I showed him my license, and he invited me 
to go with him to the chapel-house and meet 
the minister supplying the church. I gladly 
accepted his kind offer, and was introduced to 
Rev. William Williams of Wern (his home in 



THE OLD HOME AND EARLY WORK. 73 

Wales), one of the trio of celebrated Welsh 
preachers, Christmas Evans, John Elias, and 
Williams of Wern. He read my credentials 
and gave me a hearty greeting, saying as he held 
my hand : " Well, well, a young Welsh preacher 
from Ohio. God bless you my young friend/' 
He inquired where my parents had lived in 
Wales. 

"In Bala, North Wales." 

" Yes, I knew a family there of your name. 
They went to America many years ago, and I 
heard that Mr. Chidlaw died soon after they 
arrived, and I never heard of the family after- 
wards." 

I told him that I was his son and that my 
mother was alive. He was greatly interested 
in my statements, and expressed his great pleas- 
ure in meeting a Bala boy from America. 

Welsh Preaching. He invited me to preach, 
but I declined, being anxious to hear him. In 
the afternoon the chapel was crowded with a 
grand audience. He preached from the words, 
John 10 : 10, "I am come that they might have 
life, and that they might have it more abun- 
dantly." His subject was " The mission of 
Christ." The sermon was a marvellous presen- 
tation of the gospel, gushing from his strong and 
clear intellect, warm heart and eloquent lips. 
Hundreds were melted into tears, while the 



74 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

chapel resounded with loud " Amens," and ejac- 
ulations of praise, " gogoniant i Dduw " (glory- 
to God for the great salvation). 

The manner of the distinguished preacher, 
his melodious well-modulated voice, his power 
of language and illustrations, his powerful, yet 
tender appeals to the conscience and heart, still 
ring in my ears. 

After the meeting I was invited to tea at the 
house where he was entertained. His conver- 
sation was savored with grace, full of instruc- 
tion and encouragement, just what I needed, 
and on which my soul sweetly feasted. He in- 
vited me to preach in the evening, but I begged 
to be excused. In a very pleasant way he said : 
" Well, my boy, we expect to hear you, and we 
will, manage it in the way we do with our young 
preachers. You shall open the service and 
preach first, and I will follow. Take heart, the 
Master will help you." 

As I sat in the pulpit facing that great audi- 
ence my soul was faint within me. Observing 
this he placed his hand on my knee, and in 
words of tenderness and sympathy said : " I 
am glad that you feel the gravity of your posi- 
tion and duty as a young preacher. Don't fear ! 
Remember, this congregation will meet you at 
the judgment seat." These faithful and im- 
pressive words calmed my mind and delivered 



THE OLD HOME AND EARLY WORK. 75 

me from the fear of man, and my message on 
the triumphs of the gospel, revealing the king- 
ship of Christ, was delivered with freedom. 
Mr. Williams followed in a sermon of great 
power, with a repetition of the scenes attend- 
ing the afternoon service. Such demonstra- 
tions are peculiar to the Welsh people when 
high up on the mount and moved by the Holy 
Spirit. The society of that man of God, and 
hearing his sermons, made my sojourn in Liv- 
erpool a special privilege, and a great spiritual 
blessing. 

Reaching Wales. Journeying on top of a 
coach, through a beautiful and well-cultivated 
country, sixty miles to Welshpool, I went 
thence, six miles on foot to Mivod, the home of 
my uncle, where I was heartily welcomed. 
After resting a few days in pleasant company, 
and enjoying home life, I was invited to preach, 
and deliver a temperance address in the village 
chapel. A preacher from America was an at- 
traction, and temperance was a new subject. 
The chapel was crowded. Much interest was 
excited on the subject of total abstinence, and a 
temperance society was organized, the first in 
that part of Wales. 

Becoming an Itinerant Preacher. Then 
it was customary for ministers to make evan- 
gelistic tours among the churches. My brethren 



76 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

arranged a line of appointments for a month, 
and my uncle furnished a Welsh mountain 
pony that served me well. I had two appoint- 
ments each week day, and three on the Sabbath. 
My congregations were large and interested, 
and on several occasions quite demonstrative in 
loud " Amens," and ejaculations of praise and 
thanksgiving, with an occasional clapping of 
hands, reminding me of the forty-seventh Psalm, 
" O clap your hands, all ye people ; shout unto 
God with the voice of triumph." 

On my circuit, I had the company of minis- 
ters and laymen that was very agreeable and 
edifying ; and shared the Christian hospitality, 
generous and genial, of many families, delighted 
with the happy religious life of the home where 
the domestic altar was erected, and the Bible 
honored. This itinerancy, in the lovely val- 
leys and among the lofty mountains of North 
Wales, scenery grand and picturesque, was 
always a source of pleasure ; and the constant 
use of the vernacular was a great advantage in 
familiarizing me with it, so that I have retained 
a knowledge of it, and use it to the present time 
in my labors among our Welsh immigrants. 

The Sunday-school and its Divine text-book, 
has a warm place in the hearts of the Welsh 
people. Old and young, master and servants, 
attend, and together search the Scriptures and 



THE OLD HOME AND EARLY WORK. 77 

reap the benefit as seen in the type of their 
earnest, consistent religious lives. The congre- 
gation which I addressed in the morning, made 
up the Sunday-school in the afternoon. The 
Welsh idea of attendance on the Sunday- 
school, and in their case it is practical, is that 
it begins at the cradle, and terminates at the 
grave. 

A Greeting. After an evening meeting in a 
chapel among the mountains of Caernarvon, an 
aged disciple grasped my hand, and said : " If 
you are from America, thank God, you preach 
the same glorious gospel, that we have in Wales. 
The Lord help you in your work, and keep you 
at it very long." 

Field Meetings. Having finished my circuit 
work, I attended the General Assembly of the 
Calvinistic Methodist church of Wales, at Bala. 
The ecclesiastical business was chiefly transacted 
in committees, and for three days we heard 
their prominent preachers. Six sermons were 
preached daily, and heard by immense congre- 
gations. The pulpit was a wagon, around 
which, this great audience, people from all parts 
of the Principality, would stand for hours, de- 
lighted hearers of the word. 

Rev. John Elias, one of the trio of great 
Welsh preachers of the period, occupied the 
morning hour and preached a characteristic dis- 



78 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

course. He was a man of medium size, and of 
solemn mien, with a voice of great compass — 
earnest, and impressive in manner, with a won- 
derful command of language. His text was 
Is. 6 : 10, " Make the heart of this people fat," 
etc. The sermon was logical, and argumenta- 
tive ; a vindication of Divine sovereignty that 
would have honored John Calvin. Its delivery- 
elicited but few "Aniens." 

In the afternoon another celebrated preacher, 
Rev. John Jones, of Llanllyfni, appeared in the 
wagon with over 5000 hearers ready to hear his 
message. His appearance, genial and dignified, 
impressed us favorably. He discoursed elo- 
quently, and with power that moved his great 
and attentive audience, on the text, "And ye 
will not come to me, that ye might have 
life," John 5 : 40. John Elias stood on Sinai 
amid its gloom and terror ; John Jones, on 
Calvary crimsoned with the blood of the Son of 
God who died for our sins. With great clear- 
ness, he explained Divine sovereignty, and 
human responsibility, honored God, and en- 
couraged the sinner to come to Christ. The 
Divine economy, the simple gospel, flowing 
from his enraptured soul and fervid lips, pro- 
duced a marvellous effect upon the audience. 
Such enthusiasm and outbursts of rejoicing, 
and praise to God who " so loved the world, that 



THE OLD HOME AND EARLY WORK. 79 

he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever 
believeth in him should not perish, but have 
everlasting life," was truly wonderful. After 
the preaching, the people in groups would 
stand and unite in singing favorite hymns; 
and in concert recite passages of Scripture sug- 
gested by the sermon, as Is. 53d chapter. In 
some groups there would be hand clapping and 
jumping, with shouts of " Gogoniant i Ddutv " 
(glory to God,) and " Diolch byth" (everlasting 
thanks). There was no disorder, or confusion ; 
reverence marked it all. It was to me true and 
sincere, free from cant and sham, produced by 
the preaching of the gospel. These people, so 
emotional in their nature, so well instructed in 
divine things, with their deep religious experi- 
ence, were honest and truthful in this enthusi- 
astic demonstration. I was informed that it 
was the most devoted and consistent professors 
that engaged in what some might consider as ex- 
travagant bodily exercise ; but, in their case, it 
was the answer of a good conscience; a 
testimony of their faith, and love for their 
Saviour, and delight in his service. 

Returning Home. After two months of 
pleasant sojourning in Wales, enriched in my 
Christian experience, I returned to my country, 
my home and service, and entered upon the 
work of the ministry at Paddy's Run, preaching 



80 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

in both languages. I found openings in sur- 
rounding school districts to establish Sunday- 
schools, and to preach. 

These outside labors made me acquainted 
with the people, and contributed to the increase 
of my home congregation. God smiled upon 
our labors, and twenty converts were added to 
the church. Encouraged by these tokens of 
Divine favor, the people had a heart to work. 
The meeting-house, built of bricks in 1818, was 
refurnished ; rough benches were superceded by 
comfortable seats, and other improvements made. 
The Sunday-school was prosperous, and the 
meetings for religious conference and prayer 
well attended, developing the talent and piety 
of our new members, uniting and strengthen- 
ing the church in building up the cause of 
Christ in the community. 

In January, 1836, I spent a week in Cincin- 
nati, preaching and doing pastoral work among 
the Welsh immigrants in the city, who were as 
sheep without a shepherd. Our meetings were 
held in a private house on Sixth street near 
Elm. Arrangements were made to establish a 
Sunday-school and to secure a place of worship, 
with the prospect of future enlargement. 

A Sunday-school Meeting, was held during 
my visit in the Columbia Street Presbyterian 
church, Rev. Dr. Thornton A. Mills, pastor. I 



THE OLD HOME AND EARLY WORK. 81 

was invited to speak on the Sunday-school work 
in Wales, and referred to the efforts I had made 
" at home since my return. At the close of the 
meeting I was introduced to B. J. Seward, Esq., 
agent of the American Sunday-School Union for 
the Mississippi Valley, who desired to meet me 
the next day at the Depository, corner of Fifth 
and Main streets. He proposed that I should 
enter the service of the society. But this I 
could not do, as I was employed in another 
field. He then suggested that I should devote 
one-fourth of my time in establishing schools in 
Butler county, and receive $100, per annum, 
given by the Sunday-school Missionary Associa- 
tion of the Pearl Street Presbyterian church, 
New York, of which he was an elder. Return- 
ing home, I laid the matter before the church, 
and the arrangement was consummated. 



CHAPTER V. 

ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 
(IN WALES.) 

A Kind Offer. At this time, one of my 
aged parishioners, Mr. William Gwilym, 
said to me : " You need books. I have no money, 
but I will let you have ten acres of good land to 
plant in corn. You know how to cultivate it, 
and you will raise from 600 to 700 bushels of 
corn and can sell it for 15 to 20 cents a bushel 
and this will help you to get books." While 
this kind offer was under advisement the 
American Sunday-School Union came to my 
help. This was a turning point in my life. God 
opened another and a better way to replenish 
my library. Cultivating the cornfield might 
have been a temptation to worldliness, but this 
led me to a line of service more congenial and 
useful. 

Ordination. At the spring meeting of the 
Oxford Presbytery in 1836, the Paddy's Run 
Congregational church by its representative, 
Deacon David Francis, made application for my 
ministerial services and ordination. The Pres- 

(82) 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 83 

bytery had always favored this church and its 
members for many years, had preached and 
administered the ordinances, and now, my 
ordination was another evidence of its liber- 
ality and fostering care, which the church 
highly appreciated. 

May 26th the ordination took place, an event 
of much interest in the community. Rev. A. B. 
Gilliland, of Millville, presided, and preached 
the sermon. Rev. Samuel Smith, of Venice, 
charged the congregation, and Rev. Sylvester 
F. Scovel, of Harrison, the pastor. The follow- 
ing Sabbath, Rev. John W. Scott, D.D., my 
professor at Oxford, assisted at our communion, 
and in the reception of new members. His 
preaching and intercourse with the people we 
all enjoyed. 

Marriage. The next week, an important 
event in my life transpired. I was united in 
marriage by Dr. Scott, to Miss Hannah, daugh- 
ter of Morgan and Elizabeth Gwilym, who 
emigrated from Wales in 1795, and settled in 
this place when an unbroken forest in 1802, a 
godly and worthy family. 

A small frame house with two rooms and a 
large garden, I rented for fourteen dollars a 
year. My father-in-law gave me a good horse, 
saddle, and bridle, and Mrs. Gwilym gave her 
daughter a comfortable outfit, which enabled 



84 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

us to commence housekeeping. And never did 
kindred hearts begin domestic life with greater 
pleasure ; our cup was full, the Lord had blessed 
us with a home, a field of labor, and encourag- 
ing propects at home, and in the regions beyond. 
A number of new Sunday-schools were estab- 
lished, and preaching places multiplied as this 
Sunday-school extension advanced, our hQme 
congregation increased, and souls were con- 
verted. 

A Useful Sunday-school. The school I 
organized in " Green's School-house," Crosby 
township, Elder Green of the Venice Presby- 
terian Church, five miles off, becoming superin- 
tendent, it was very prosperous. I visited the 
school monthly, and preached to a good congre- 
gation, most of whom seldom heard the gospel, 
or were interested in religion. Two of the 
scholars, John and Sarah Wilkins, by attending 
the Sunday-school and reading the Bible were 
awakened to a sense of sin, their need of a 
Saviour, and they inquired what they must 
do to be saved. I gave them instruction, and 
encouragement to give themselves first to the 
Lord, and then to his people, according to his 
will, and felt very hopeful concerning them. 
Soon, I heard that John was seriously sick ; at 
once, I went to his home four miles from my 
own. The father received me very coolly, but 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 85 

the mother gave me a hearty welcome, and took 
me to the room where her suffering son was 
found. He was glad to see me, asked me to 
pray for him, and to converse on the subject of 
religion. He expressed his trust in Jesus, and 
his consciousness that his sins were pardoned, 
and his soul was filled with peace through the 
atoning blood, and the witness of the Holy 
Spirit. 

After this delightful interview with the suf- 
ferer, and conversation with the family, I 
returned home, rejoicing in what I had seen 
and heard of the grace of God abounding to a 
poor sinner. 

In a few days, the aged father sent for me. 
As John was near death, and anxious to see 
me, I hastened to comply with his request,, 
He, weeping, met me at the gate, saying: 
" John is my best boy, and he is going to die." 
I found him a great sufferer, but able to con- 
verse. He desired to make a profession of 
religion, to be baptized, to unite with the 
church, and to receive the Lord's Supper. I 
hastened home. Two of our deacons, and sev- 
eral of the members, in a two-horse wagon, 
taking with us the communion service, made 
our wajr to the home of the dying disciple. 

We held a church meeting, and heard from 
his dying lips, of what God had done for his 



86 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

soul, and his earnest wish to be received into 
the church, and to partake of the sacraments. He 
was received, and the ordinances administered. 
Though weak, he was able to tell us, " I am now 
happy, and ready to die. Jesus Christ remem- 
bered me, and now I have remembered him." 
As Jacob said, awakening from his sleep on the 
pillow of stone, " This is none other but the 
house of God, and this is the gate of heaven," 
so we could say in this farm-house, and in the 
chamber of this dying child of God, waiting 
joyously, to pass from his earthly to his heavenly 
home. The aged parents, brother, and sisters, 
in tears, witnessed this solemn scene, heard his 
testimony and earnest words beseeching them 
to believe in Christ, to accept his great salva- 
tion, and to live for his honor and glory. 

In a few days he peacefully departed and 
entered into rest. His funeral was attended 
by a large concourse of people, most of whom 
were careless and indifferent to the claims of 
religion. The hour gave me a golden oppor- 
tunity to reiterate the testimony of John Wil- 
kins, of the power and willingness of Jesus 
Christ to save to the uttermost all who come to 
God by him ; that religion in the soul, Christ 
in us the hope of glory, can take away the sting 
of death, light the dark valley, and minister 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 87 

an abundant entrance into the everlasting king- 
dom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

A Grove Meeting. My people expressed 
a desire to hold a protracted meeting, but our 
house of worship was not large enough to ac- 
commodate the congregation that we expected. 
Hence, at the farm of Morris Jones, a mile from 
the chapel, in a pleasant grove, a platform was 
erected, with tiers of seats in front, boards laid 
on parallel lines of logs, sufficient to accommo- 
date five hundred people. Our meetings for 
prayer and preaching continued five days. 
Rev. Andrew Benton of Mt. Pleasant, was with 
me, and rendered efficient help ; and, best of all, 
God was with us, quickening his people, and 
converting precious souls, among them Mrs. 
Daniel Wilkins and her daughter Sarah. The 
aged father attended and was impressed by the 
truth, and interested, but remained undecided. 
With his wife and daughter, he became a regu- 
lar attendant on our Sabbath services, and in 
conversation with him, I found that he was 
anxious about his soul, and that he would 
attend our church meeting. 

To our great satisfaction, the aged man 
attended church-meeting, seeking a name and 
a place among the people of God. Weeping, 
and in broken language, he related his exper- 
ience : " My parents in Pennsylvania were 



88 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Lutherans. I was baptized, learned the cate- 
chism, was confirmed, and took the sacrament 
when I was a boy of sixteen. I thought that 
was all there was in religion, till John died. 
Now I know better. I am a poor sinner, trust- 
ing in Jesus Christ as he did, and now, I want 
to be a true Christian and unite with the 
church." As a penitent, repenting and believ- 
ing in Jesus, he was welcomed into the fellow- 
ship of the people of God, and received as a mem- 
ber of the household of faith. Sarah witnessed 
a good profession, and died early, and the aged 
father only survived a few years, giving cred- 
ible evidence of genuine conversion, and dying 
in the faith. The venerable mother lived sev- 
eral years, a happy Christian, useful, and hon- 
ored, and left this world assured of an inherit- 
ance among the saints in light. 

Helping the Preacher. On a winter 
morning a wagon stopped in front of my dwell- 
ing, and a voice inquired if the preacher lived 
there. 

I answered in the affirmative. 

The man in the wagon said : 

" I am working for old man Wilkins, and he 
sent me up with some provisions for you." 

" Very well, I will bring a basket and take 
them in the house." 

Laughing, the man said : 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 89 

" You can't get this big chunk of beef, and 
this bag of flour, and another of potatoes, into 
any basket I ever saw. I will shoulder them, 
and bring them in." 

And so he did. We hardly knew how to 
manage such a quantity of provisions sent by 
our generous old parishioner. My wife bor- 
rowed a tub of her mother, we cut the beef, and 
salted it, placed the bag of flour in one corner 
of the kitchen, and the potatoes in another. As 
this was also our dining-room, and not large, 
we were quite crowded by such a large supply 
of the necessaries of life. The inconvenience 
was a small affair compared with the benefit 
conferred upon us. 

A Missionary Tour. After two years of 
successful labor in my own congregation — 
establishing Union Sunday-schools, and preach- 
ing in destitute localities in Butler county — I 
made a tour in 1838 through Northwestern 
Ohio, then a new country and sparsely settled 
and hence an inviting field for missionary labor. 
On horseback, with my large saddle-bags filled 
with Testaments and Sunday-school books, on 
a fine autumnal morning 1 left my home. After 
leaving Piqua, Miami county, and the hospitable 
home of Colonel Johnson, a few miles north, I 
entered the new settlements with their log cabins 
and small clearings. Where I could gather a 



90 THE STOHY OF MY LIFE. 

few families together I would preach, and con- 
fer in regard to the organization of a Sunday- 
school. In most places, for the want of interest 
and suitable officers and teachers, I found it 
impracticable. In other places under favorable 
circumstances a school of from twenty to thirty 
adults and children could be established. 

A Grood Opening. In Allen county, where I 
found a few families, recently from Paddy's 
Run, beginning life in the woods, I was very 
cordially welcomed, the first minister they had 
seen in their settlement. I preached several 
times in the cabin of Thomas Watkins, (still 
living, in 1890) and a Sunday-school was organ- 
ized, conducted chiefly in the Welsh language. 

I extended my explorations into Van Wert 
county, following the latest wave of population 
that flowed into its borders. In traversing the 
settlements, I found several religious families, 
and preached in their cabins to small, but 
interested audiences. In three settlements, by 
uniting the religious element, weak as it was in 
this heterogeneous population, schools were 
established, and those at Long Prairie and on 
the Ridge were the first organized in the county. 

As I travelled through the country it was 
arranged that I should spend a Sabbath at the 
county seat, a town laid out in the forest, with 
a few log houses, and a hewed log court-house, 



ORDINATION', MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 91 

not quite finished, serving as a temple of justice 
and a house of worship. On reaching the town 
from Long Prairie, accompanied by quite a 
number of people, we found many horses hitched 
around the court-house, and people seated on 
the logs and stumps around it. Being time for 
service I entered the court-house well filled with 
people, and found another preacher on the 
bench ready for duty. I was introduced as a 
Presbyterian minister, and missionary of the 
American Sunday-School Union, to Rev. W. 
Shingledecker, of the United Brethren church. 
He did not receive me very graciously, and 
insisted that this was his appointment, and that 
he must officiate. After this statement, I left 
the bench, and took my seat in the congrega- 
tion, occupying a split log bench. One of the 
friends who came with me to town, went to 
Brother Shingledecker, and conferred with him. 
I was called up to the bench, and informed 
that a compromise had been effected. The 
hour would be divided. I was to speak first, 
limited to half an hour. I introduced the 
service in the usual way, the people singing an 
old hymn and tune with the spirit of praise 
and gladness of heart that was inspiring. 

I preached a gospel sermon that appeared to 
interest and hold the attention of my hearers. 
My clerical brother was an attentive listener, 



92 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

frequently nodding his head approvingly, and 
occasionally ejaculating a hearty " Amen." My 
half hour was up, and my sermon half delivered, 
but according to agreement I must close. As 
I paused to deliver the work into his hands, he 
stood up, and said, earnestly : " Don't stop, go 
right on and finish." So I continued my dis- 
course to the end. 

Our Dinner. A friend from the country 
invited the preachers to partake of his hospi- 
tality, at a basket dinner, under the forest trees 
standing near the court-house. After dinner, 
my brother preacher explained matters. He 
said: "I never heard but one Presbyterian 
preacher, and he just read his sermon from 
paper : it was all writ down ; " adding, " That 
kind of preaching don't take in a new country, 
and I thought you were one of that kind ; but 
when Brother Hill told me that you preached 
off-hand, and not from paper, I agreed to divide 
the time, and I was glad to give you all of it." 
In the afternoon, I addressed the people in the 
open air (for the court-house would not seat 
them), on "Early religious training, and the 
Sunday-school work." At candle-lighting, I 
preached on the Ridge, at Brother Priddy's, a 
good religious family ; helpers, when I estab- 
lished the Sunday-school in the settlement ; and, 
now, its earnest and faithful supporters. Thus 



MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 93 

I spent a month, sowing the good seed on virgin 
soil. This ended, in four days I reached my 
home and work. 

Fruit Gathered. Many years afterwards I 
was invited to preach the dedication sermon of 
a Presbyterian meeting-house erected at Mid- 
dlepoint, a thriving village on the Pittsburg and 
Ft. Wa3^ne Railroad in Van Wert county, where 
during my tour in 1838, in a log cabin house, I 
had established a Union Sunday-school, with 
Brother Hill, an earnest Christian, for superin- 
tendent. 

This school, with its Divine text-book, religi- 
ous literature, and oral instruction, lived and 
prospered. A church was organized, the word 
of the Lord preached, and this house of God, 
neat and beautiful, was erected. 

Some years ago I was invited to participate in 
a County Sunday-school Convention to be held 
in Van Wert, now a large and flourishing town. 
The convention was composed of a large num- 
ber of men and women, devoted friends of the 
cause, representing the fifty-six Sunday-schools 
then in the county, where forty-five years 
before, God honored me and the American Sun- 
day-School Union in planting the first school 
in the county. 

At the close of the Convention, a Mr. Gilli- 
land, a gray-headed man, was introduced to me, 



94 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

who said : " When I was a boy, you came to our 
settlement, a missionary. My father sent me 
and my brother to invite our neighbors to our 
house to hear you preach. You had a house 
full of hearers, and that was the first sermon I 
remember hearing. I am glad that in old age 
you are still in the good work." 

Wales Revisited. In 1839, while busy, 
happy and blessed in my pastoral and Sunday- 
school missionary work, my beloved mother, 
then over seventy years of age, blessed with 
health and vigor, received a pressing invitation 
from her aged brother, nry uncle, to visit him in 
Wales: and, if I would accompany her, he 
would defray our expenses. She was anxious to 
go, but that I should go with her seemed impos- 
sible. Duty to such a mother, who had done so 
much for me, and to my church and family, 
placed me in great perplexity. Seeking Divine 
guidance, conferring with my church and loved 
ones, and casting my burden on the Lord, my 
decision was made : I would go, and return to 
my home and work as soon as possible. 

As the Pearl Street Sunday-school Missionary 
Society were contributing for my support, I 
informed them of my purpose, and asked if they 
would approve. Soon, I received a letter of 
consent from the secretary, Robert Aikman, Jr., 
and a kind invitation, when we reached New 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 95 

York, to make his father's house on William 
street, our home " till you find a more unsafe 
one on the deep." I showed this letter, beauti- 
ful in chirograph}", to one of our deacons, who 
said : " Well, that young man writes like cop- 
per-plate. What a grand writing-master he 
would make ! " 

That young secretary is now the honored pas- 
tor of the Presbyterian church of Madison, N. 
J., an able and faithful minister, having served 
God and his church over forty years. His bow 
abides in strength, and his eye is not dimmed. 
In May, 1889, when I was a commissioner in the 
General Assembly at New York, I was invited 
to spend a Sabbath with him and his beloved 
people, a privilege I greatly enjoyed, a delight- 
ful reminder of our early days, and of the way 
the Lord had led us. 

Our Journey to New York — from Radnor 
to Sandusky, was in a wagon ; thence, on a 
steamboat to Buffalo, and in a canal-boat to 
Albany, and on the Hudson river we enjoyed a 
pleasant voyage to the city, and were well 
received by our friends. 

After spending a few pleasant days in the 
city, visiting families connected with the Pearl 
Street church, addressing the Sunday-school, 
and preaching on the Sabbath, laden with the 
benefactions of our kind friends, we embarked on 



96 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

the packet-ship "Columbus," and in twenty 
days reached Liverpool. The passage was on a 
stormy sea, and we suffered from the malady 
incident to such a voyage ; but we soon recov- 
ered, and enjoyed sea life, beholding the wonders 
of the deep, and in the companionship of our 
fellow-voyagers. 

A day on the coach brought us to Penlan, 
(the name of my uncle's farm) and, after an 
absence of nearly twenty years, the aged 
brother and sister with joy of heart, met each 
other, and tears gave expression to the delight 
they experienced. It was now late in October. 
To return home in the winter seemed impracti- 
cable ; so reluctantly, we abandoned our 
cherished purpose of returning to America soon, 
and concluded to remain till spring. This ar- 
rangment was a sore disappointment. To be 
absent from my work and my family four or 
five months, and unemployed, filled my heart 
with heaviness, and I was in sore trouble. 

The quiet life in a Welsh farm-house, with 
all its cheer and comfort, soon became monoto- 
nous, and my anxiety increased, lest I had run 
away from duty and displeased my heavenly 
Father, and it became a heavy burden on my 
heart, and I could find no relief. 

One day, my kind uncle said : " Cheer up, 
and be happy. Come, go with me to Mivod," a 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 97 

village a mile away. On our way, we met the 
splendid equipage of Lord Clive, of Powis Castle. 
My venerable uncle uncovered his head, and 
bowed gracefully, while his American nephew 
stood like a statue, gazing on the nobleman in 
his coach and four. My uncle inquired, " Why 
did you not take off your hat, and bow to Lord 
Clive?" 

M Why, uncle, his lordship paid no attention 
to us. Ill my country civilities are mutual ; we 
are all of the nobility, and equal before the law. 
My elbow joint stiffened in America, so that it 
cannot be used in that way." He laughed 
heartily, and said: " I will have your elbow 
joint examined by my friend, the surgeon." 
Reaching the village and the surgeon's office, 
my coat was removed, and my elbow carefully 
examined, and the surgeon pronounced it all 
right. My uncle explained the incident of our 
meeting Lord Clive, and my failure to pull off 
my hat, and the reason I gave for my conduct. 
The surgeon was amused, and said : " I wish 
every Welshman in our country had the same 
trouble in his elbow." Both of the old gentle- 
men were radical in their politics, and greatly 
enjoyed the joke, and on the strength of it we 
had a very social tea-drinking. 

In a few days, a minister called, and invited 
me to accompany him to a conference of ministers 



98 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

in a neighboring village. This kind offer I 
gladly accepted ; it was light in a time of dark- 
ness, and a blessed relief to my mental depres- 
sion Pleasant fellowship with the brethren, 
and participating in religious services, revived 
my fainting heart, and I felt that God had not 
cast me off. 

After the conference, the pastor of the church 
invited me to remain and assist him in special 
meetings which he desired to hold. Large con- 
gregations waited on God in the sanctuary, and 
evident tokens of the presence and power of the 
Holy Spirit were manifest. At the suggestion 
of the pastor, inquiry meetings were held after 
preaching, and at the close of four days' ser- 
vices, thirty inquirers professed their faith in 
Jesus, desired to make a public profession, and to 
enter the service of God. These labors, and the 
blessed results, were an uplift to my soul, and I 
could say, " Unless the Lord had been my help, 
my soul had almost dwelt in silence," Ps. 
94: 17. Now, my burden was removed, my 
spiritual skies were bright, the winter of my 
discontent was passed, and I could and did re- 
joice in the summer of God's favor which I 
once more enjoyed. 

A Preaching Tour. According to the cus- 
tom prevailing in Wales, if an approved min- 
ister desired to make a preaching tour among 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 99 

the churches, some ministerial friend would ar- 
range and forward the appointments, and thus 
prepare the way. This was done for me, and 
my uncle furnishing a " Merlin," a mountain 
pony, I entered upon my itinerancy. The friend 
who made the arrangements for my trip went 
with me to the first appointment. It was in a 
country chapel, beautiful for situation among 
the mountains. The natural scenery filled me 
with admiration, beholding the works of God. 
The chapel crowded with hearers that " knew 
the joyful sound," delighted to hear the gospel, 
prepared me for the service, and I enjoyed min- 
istering to them in spiritual things. It was the 
noon hour. With the pastor and my friend, we 
lunched in " ty y CapeV (the chapel-house), 
where the itinerants were entertained, and in 
an adjoining stable his horse was fed. After this 
social hour, my friend left me in charge of the 
pastor of this church, who accompanied me to 
my next appointment, ten miles distant. 

In this way I had the guidance and company 
of a brother minister or a deacon all the time, a 
very pleasant and enjoyable feature of my 
journey. My appointments were generally in 
country chapels at noon, and in villages or 
towns in the evening. The ministers and other 
brethren with whom I associated, were cordial, 
and ready to adopt, when indications were favor- 



100 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

able, the new measure I had introduced of hold- 
ing inquiry meetings after preaching. In 
several places, such opportunities were afforded, 
and from five to twenty inquirers would present 
themselves for conversation, prayer, and en- 
couragement to enter upon a religious life. 

I found that the pastors and revived church 
members could carry on the good work thus 
begun. This encouraged me in preaching and 
holding these after meetings. My hearers were 
well taught in Divine truth in the Sunday- 
school, and by their pastors, and I felt that I 
was sowing the seed of the Word in good and 
prepared soil, that these awakened souls would 
be well cared for, gathered into the fold of 
Christ, and nurtured for a steadfast, useful and 
happy Christian life. My appointments allowed 
me to spend two days in Bala, my native vil- 
lage. I preached twice in the chapel, where 
my parents worshipped God, and where I was 
baptized, and received in my early childhood 
my first religious impressions and loved my 
Saviour. 

Llanuwchllyn : A Wonderful Revival. 
The last Sabbath of 1839 my appointments were 
at the old chapel of Llanuwchllyn, six miles 
from Bala. This was one of the largest and 
oldest Non-conforming churches in Wales. The 
pastor, Rev. Michael Jones, an able, learned, 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 101 

and earnest servant of God and his church, had 
charge of several outlying congregations among 
the mountains, which also enjoyed the labors 
of itinerants and lay preachers, but Mr. Jones 
was their pastor, and administered the ordi- 
nances. 

This faithful minister was tried by difficul- 
ties in his church. For several years there had 
been serious troubles, the ways of Zion lan- 
guished, and litigation ensued. In the mean- 
time the pastor continued his faithful labors. 
Deprived of the old chapel, he cared for the 
flock, holding meetings in farm-houses, and in 
the summer in the open air on the hill-sides. 

Recently, the civil court decided in his favor: 
that, with his adherents, a majority of the con- 
gregation, they should re-occupy the house of 
the Lord that their fathers had built. This 
was the dawn of a better clay, discord ceased, 
and the voice of the " turtle " was again heard in 
the land. The re-occupancy of the old chapel 
in October was celebrated by a large gathering 
of ministers, and two days spent in praise, 
prayer and preaching. These memorial ser- 
vices awakened a deep religious interest in the 
congregation, and prepared the way of the 
Lord to visit, and abundantly to bless his people. 

Saturday I spent at the home of the pastor, 
with his interesting family, and friends that 



102 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

called on me to talk about their relatives in 
Ohio, and the kingdom of Christ in America. 
After dinner, Mr. Jones left to meet his ap- 
pointments for the Sabbath, leaving me to sup- 
ply his pulpit. 

The Sabbath was a bright and mild winter 
day and my surroundings were delightful. The 
chapel stood on the shore of Llyn Tegid, a 
charming lake, and the lofty peaks of Aran 
and Arenig mountains overshadowed it. Amid 
these wonderful works of the God of nature 
and of redemption, I walked to the sanctuary, 
trusting in his gracious promises for the aid I 
so much needed for the services of the day. 
The forenoon and afternoon meetings passed, 
but no special interest developed among my 
hearers crowding the chapel to its full capacity, 
and I felt depressed and discouraged. 

In leaving the chapel, a plain, middle-aged 
man, a farmer, invited me to tea, saying : " It 
is not far, and I would like your company." 
His conversation, seasoned with grace, cheered 
me, and the burden of his soul in regard to the 
salvation of sinners was very encouraging and 
helpful in relieving me of my discouragement. 

Introduced to his wife and family, I was es- 
corted into a cozy parlor, with a peat fire on the 
hearth. After tea, I sat meditating and prepar- 
ing for the evening meeting, when a young 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 103 

woman came to the room, and, with diffidence, 
said: 

" I would like to speak to you." 

" Certainly, my young friend, let me hear 
from you." 

" I am informed that you hold private meet- 
ings after preaching, and converse personally 
with those that attend ; ' ' adding, with evident 
emotion, " If you will hold such a meeting to- 
night, many will accept, and come out on the 
Lord's side." 

Her unaffected manner, and her message, 
made a profound impression on my mind. It 
was a revelation of faithfulness in duty, and 
interest in the salvation of souls, that filled my 
soul, and inspired my fainting heart for the 
evening service. 

Another Helper. As I entered the chapel 
yard, a man desired to speak to me. Frequently 
people would accost me, to inquire if I knew 
their relatives in America, or concerning the 
country. I said to this man, " If you wish to 
see me, call Monday morning at the parsonage, 
and I will be glad to talk to you." He replied, 
" O, sir, that is not what I want. Here are my 
two sons, anxious to have a word from you in 
regard to their personal salvation." Clasping 
the hands of these stalwart young men, I gave 



104 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

them a word of encouragement to trust in Jesus, 
and to follow him. 

With very unusual feelings, subdued and 
trustful, I entered the crowded chapel. The 
pulpit steps were occupied, but as I approached 
they were vacated, and, with a tremor of soul, 
I found my way to the place where I was to 
speak in the name of the Lord. The singing 
indicated a fervor and spirit that I had not ob- 
served before, and, during prayer, many earnest 
" Amens " reached my ears. To my mind and 
soul, these things had "the sound of a going in 
the tops of the mulberry trees," 2 Sam. 5 : 24, 
and a glimpse of " a little cloud out of the sea, 
like a man's hand," 1 Kings, 18 : 44. 

My discourse was founded on the text, " Give 
glory to the Lord your God, before he cause 
darkness, and before your feet stumble upon 
the dark mountains, and while ye look for light, 
he turn it into the shadow of death and make 
it gross darkness," Jer. 13: 16. I endeavored 
to unfold the duty enjoined — the time to dis- 
charge it — and an earnest appeal now to accept 
Christ and confess him before men, — to glorify 
God as penitents at the cross — sinners saved by 
grace, and not in the darkness and doom of the 
impenitent and godless, under the wrath of God 
forever. A solemn stillness pervaded the audi- 
ence, and, instead of a public prayer and a hymn 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 105 

of praise, I said that we would spend five min- 
utes in silent thought and praj^er, seeking the 
convincing and converting power of the Holy 
Spirit, to fill the chapel and every unconverted 
heart. 

I then took my seat, my soul overwhelmed 
within me, longing for the manifestation of the 
power and glory of God in the sanctuary, and 
in the salvation of precious souls. Before the 
five minutes of silence had expired, it was 
broken by the strong cry in the rear of the 
chapel, " O, Lord, be merciful to me a sinner,' J 
followed by outbursts of ejaculatory prayer, and 
weeping all over the congregation. The valley 
of dry bones was evidently pervaded by the 
life-giving Spirit of the God of salvation. 

The five minutes had now expired. The 
house of the Lord was indeed a Bochim, and 
the place of his feet glorious. I announced 
that the public service was closed, and that a 
society, or inquiry meeting would be held, and 
earnestly invited all who were convinced of 
their sin and were seeking salvation to remain. 
I dismissed the congregation with the usual 
benediction, but no one went out. The tide 
was evidently rising, manifested in sobs and 
tears, and the outcry of many for mercy and 
the forgiveness of sin. Again, I dismissed the 
audience, but there was no movement for the 



106 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

doors- I knew not what to do ; the place, and 
the scenes around me were awful, because of 
the presence of the Lord, coming out of his 
hiding place of power to magnify his great 
Name in the bestowment of his love, in the 
awakening and converting grace so gloriously 
bestowed. I had never before such an experi- 
ence of awe, solemnity, and helplessness, and I 
knew not what to do or say. 

On the steps of the pulpit an aged man was 
seated, and I could reach his shoulder. I 
secured his attention, and inquired, " Are you 
a deacon?" He replied that he was. Then, 
I asked him what to do. With evident emo- 
tion, he replied : " The Lord of glory is in his 
sanctuary, and blessed be his holy name." 
This reply, gushing (in the grand old Welsh 
language) from the full heart of this old dis- 
ciple, revealed that his soul enjoyed the Divine 
presence, but it afforded no relief for my embar- 
rassment. 

With difficulty I made my way down the 
crowded steps of the pulpit and found another 
deacon, but he was high up on the mount and 
wept like a child, and knew not what to do. 
In the midst of the slain of the Lord, and the 
joy of salvation welling up in the hearts of his 
people, I asked some one to offer prayer. This 
was done, and, while the suppliant was pouring 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 107 

out his soul before the mercy seat, agonizing in 
prayer, others cried aloud for mercy, and some, 
in thanksgiving, loudly praised the Lord. After 
some time, silence was restored, and I addressed 
the inquirers. While I was speaking, a man 
fell on his knees, praying fervently for pardon 
and peace with God. His prayer intensified 
the feeling of the people, so that I inquired 
who he was. I was told that he was a hard- 
ened scoffer, the last man in that community 
who would be expected thus to bow before the 
Lord, confess his sins, and seek salvation 
through the crucified one. 

When he closed his earnest prayer, sometimes 
broken and incoherent, but evidently sincere 
and humble, in the midst of much excitement 
I requested the people to sing a precious old 
hymn. This was done with the spirit cer- 
tainly, and the last verse repeated over and 
over. At the close of this hallelujah song, there 
followed an abatement of excitement. I asked 
all who that night having sought and found the 
Saviour, and had decided, by the grace of God, to 
serve him ; and all who were seeking salvation, 
to stand up. One hundred and fifty thus indi- 
cated what the Lord had done for them. "This 
is the Lord's doing ; it is marvellous in our 
eyes," Ps. 118 : 23. 

As I was to leave the next day to meet an 



108 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

appointment ten miles distant, and feeling anx- 
ious to linger a little longer on this battle-field 
of Zion, and to have personal conversation with 
these converts and inquirers, I announced a 
meeting at six o'clock the next morning, and at 
a late hour the congregation dispersed. 

When we reached the home of the pastor, he 
had just returned from the labors of the day. 
His daughter, quite excited, told him of our 
wonderful meeting, and that her brother, sister, 
and two domestics had remained in the society, 
and a great many others. The father was 
amazed, and blessed the name of the Lord for 
such joyous tidings. After some conversation 
about the six o'clock meeting, he said : " Your 
prayer and conference meeting is all right, but 
it is two hours before daylight. We never had 
a meeting at such an early hour, and the people 
will not be there. However, I will go and see ; 
but you go to your chamber and rest." 

"Father," said the daughter, "if you had 
been there last night you would not say so. 
The people will be there, and we will all go." 
At five o'clock we were all up, and after our 
tea and toast, and family worship, we left for 
the chapel, a mile distant. As we walked, we 
could see lanterns in all directions, and found 
the chapel well filled. The cloud that rested 
on us the night before, was over us still, and 






ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. 109 

the shower of mercy still descended, watering 
the garden of the Lord, and refreshing pastor 
and people. Three hours were spent in prayer 
and praise, instructing inquirers, encouraging 
the babes in Christ, and in thanksgiving to 
God for this gracious visitation. 

The way of the Lord had been prepared. 
For several months, the more spiritual and 
faithful members of the church had been anx- 
iously concerned about the low state of religion 
in the church, and the prevailing neglect of 
religion in the congregation. The recent re- 
union of the divided church, and the meeting 
that celebrated its consummation, and the re- 
occupancy of the chapel, was the dawn of a day 
of blessing. The young woman, whose mes- 
sage, as a live coal from the altar, glowed in 
the heart of the preacher, did much to bring 
the blessing. In the farm-house, there served 
a true and aged Christian, mighty in faith and 
prayer, who always believed and said that God 
would not forget his church, but surely bring 
deliverance. The faithful and unremitting 
labors of the pastor, teaching the people and 
watching for souls through the long years of 
spiritual declension and strife, now yielded an 
abundant harvest. 

These, and other agencies, were at work, 
preparing the way for the preacher from 



110 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

America, who, by a way he knew not, was led 
to Llannwchllyn, to participate in this wonder- 
ful work of grace, and to rejoice in what the 
Lord did for his people. 

Fifty Years Afterwards. In 1889, while attend- 
ing the World's Sunday-school Convention in 
London, representing the American Sunday- 
School Union, I was invited to visit this old 
battle field of Zion, where, half a century ago, 
such a glorious victory had been won for Christ 
and his church. The old chapel had given way 
for a new and larger structure, the church and 
Sunday-school were prosperous, and though the 
old pastor had died, his successor, Rev. David 
Roberts, supplied his place; the deacons and 
nearly all of the members of the church had 
departed, but the cause remained well establish- 
ed, and advancing. At the close of my sermon, 
the pastor said nearly all of the two hundred 
and fifty converts in the revival fifty years ago, 
had emigrated to distant parts of the world, 
or had fallen asleep in Jesus. A few of them 
yet remained, and were present, and he would 
be pleased to have them take the hand of the 
servant of God now with them, whose labor 
God had so eminently blessed fifty years ago. 
In response, several aged men and women greeted 
me cordially, rejoicing in all that God had done 
for us. 



ORDINATION, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY. Ill 

A Discovery. During our stay in Wales, 
mother told me that when we emigrated in 
1821, a chest full of books was left in the gar- 
ret of our house. When in Bala and taking 
tea with an old friend of my parents, I spoke 
of these books. My father had inherited them 
from the estate of his uncle, Rev. John Chid- 
law, who, from 1752 to 1800, was pastor of the 
Crooks Street Presbyterian church, Chester, 
where Rev. Matthew Henry, the celebrated com- 
mentator, spent many years of faithful labor. 
A domestic heard my statement about the books, 
and said to her mistress that the chest was in 
the garret of our old house. I went to the 
house , and made inquiries. The loft was 
examined, and the books found, over a hundred 
volumes, well preserved, valuable theological 
and historical works, Latin, Greek, English and 
Welsh. Among them were a black-letter quarto 
Bible of 1621, and the Commentaries of John 
Calvin, translated into English, and printed in 
London, 1585. These books were carefully 
packed and safely transported to their destina- 
tion, a valuable addition to my library and of 
great service in my studies. 



CHAPTER VI. 

PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 

RETURNING Home. On our departure 
from Wales early in April, 1840, a large 
body of Congregational ministers gave me a 
reception at Trefynon (Holywell,) where I was 
to take a steamer for Liverpool. These kind 
brethren presented me with an engrossed address 
in Welsh and English, acknowledging the hand 
of the Lord in my visit and labors, and com- 
mending me to the guidance and loving care of 
God in all my future life. 

From the chapel, where a delightful com- 
munion service had been held, a procession 
of ministers and communicants was formed, 
together with a choir singing Welsh hymns. 
We marched to the dock, and standing on the 
wheel-house, I bid farewell to the throng on 
the shore. 

After a few -days in Liverpool, my aged 
mother with eighty young men and women and 
a few families, all from Wales, having charter- 
ed the second cabin, comfortably furnished, of 
the ship " Caroline Augusta," we sailed for 

(112) 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 113 

New York, had a pleasant passage, and, as 
nearly all these Welsh people were religious, 
we had daily religious service, Sunday-school 
and preaching every Sabbath. 

My aged mother enjoyed her visit, and 
returned safely to her home in Radnor, Ohio, 
lived a useful, happy life, and peacefully depart- 
ed July 25, 1851, aged 80 years; and with my 
honored father, sleeps in Jesus, in the Radnor 
cemetery, till the day of immortal awakening 
and the re-union in heaven. 

At Home Again. Finding my loved ones in 
health and cheer, and resuming my pastoral 
work, so kindly welcomed by the church and 
congregation, harmony and love prevailing, my 
cup was full ; and never was labor for the 
Master more delightful on my home field, and 
in the extension and improvement of Sunday- 
schools and preaching beyond the lines of my 
church work. 

A Missionary Journey. After harvest in 
1840, I spent six weeks in North-western and 
Central Ohio, preaching almost every evening 
and twice on Sunday, securing congregations the 
best I could. 

During the day, on my trusty horse, I would 
explore a settlement, call on the settlers in 
their log houses and clearings, announce preach- 
ing, or a Sunday-school address in the school- 



114 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

house, and invite them to attend. After preach- 
ing, if the outlook was hopeful, we would hold 
a conference on the subject of religion or the 
organization of a Sunday-school. In Allen 
and Van Wert counties, where I had previously 
visited and established schools, I found the 
good work well sustained and extending. 

At Gomer, the Welsh settlement on Pike 
Run, a church had been gathered, and a log 
chapel built. Here I preached several sermons, 
administered the ordinances of the household of 
faith, received, on profession, eight new mem- 
bers into the church, glad to see the grace of 
God, " and exhorted them all, that with purpose 
of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." 
During this journey I preached thirty times, 
besides making Sunday-school and temperance 
addresses, travelled 430 miles, and returned to 
my own chosen field and labor, refreshed and 
strengthened in body and soul. 

Work in Cincinnati. In the winter of 1840, 
I spent a week in the city at the request of the 
Welsh immigrants, chiefly mechanics, laborers, 
and domestics, enterprising and industrious. 
My former labors among them had not been 
fruitless. They continued their Sunday-school 
and prayer meetings, and rented a loft over an 
engine house on Lawrence street for a chapel. 
On the basis of Christian union, professors of 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 115 

different denominations united together, organ- 
ized a church, and elected deacons. Several 
backsliders renewed their religious lives, and 
new converts were added to the church. In a 
subsequent visit, I found that the little flock 
was growing in grace and in numbers, and that 
the engine house loft would not seat the congre- 
gation. An abandoned house of worship on the 
same street was for sale. It was a substantial 
brick building, capable of seating four hundred 
and well located for their purpose. Through 
the kindness of Hon. Belamy Storer, who had 
the house for sale, the purchase was made at 
$3500, half down, and the balance on time. At 
the time, this was a great undertaking, but the 
religious zeal and liberality of the congregation, 
receiving some aid from sympathizing Ameri- 
cans, soon discharged the debt. The same 
building, improved and beautified, is now the 
pleasant home of the Welsh Congregational 
church of three hundred members, supporting 
a good minister, Rev. David Jones, D.D., and 
contributing to the spread of the gospel at home 
and abroad. 

Family Bereavement. In the summer of 
1841, a dark cloud overshadowed my heart and 
home. My beloved wife, a true helpmate, and 
a lovely Christian, died in the triumphs of faith, 
and was gathered to her fathers. A dear little 



116 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

daughter survived her a few months ; but this 
lovely flower soon withered, the Lord took her, 
and left my heart sad and my home desolate. 

In the midst of my disappointments and trials 
God was my " refuge and strength, a very pre- 
sent help in trouble," and I realized solace and 
comfort in my pastoral and Sunday-school mis- 
sionary labors, and the hand of the Lord was 
with me. 

Sunday-school Missionary Work. My 
labors and experience in behalf of Sunday-school 
extension in our new settlements, with their 
heterogeneous population, convinced me of the 
great need of an agency like the American Sun- 
day-School Union to meet their moral and spirit- 
ual necessities. On its undenominational basis, 
through its missionary operations, Bible-schools 
could be established and sustained, and a sound 
religious literature introduced, important and 
reliable factors in educating the intellect and 
the heart of the ignorant and the neglected, to 
know, to love, and to serve God. 

This missionary service takes the Sunday- 
school where it is needed, prepares the way by 
a thorough canvass of the locality for its organ- 
ization, and awaking public confidence and 
interest in its behalf. The way being thus 
opened, if the people were sufficiently inter- 
ested, and desired a school, and the officers and 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 117 

teachers needed for its management and instruc- 
tion could be found, the missionary was on hand 
to aid in its organization. 

These facts show the wonderful adaptation of 
the American Sunday-School Union to accom- 
plish successfully its mission in behalf of the 
youth of our country, otherwise destitute of the 
opportunities it offers for the study of the Holy 
Scriptures, and to acquire the Divine knowledge 
necessary to meet the duties of life, and the 
rewards of eternity. 

The Work Illustrated, In the prosecu- 
tion of my labors, the difficulties I encountered 
were largely the indifference of the people, the 
want of officers and teachers of piety and fitness 
for the work, and sometimes, opposition from 
infidelity and sectarian bigotry. 

In most of the settlements and new villages, 
becoming acquainted with the people, preaching 
the blessed gospel of the Son of God, and 
addresses on the Sunday-school subject would 
prepare the way to crystallize the religious ele- 
ment into a union effort to establish a Sunday- 
school and to secure the appliances and a 
library necessary for its successful operation. 

Opposition Overruled. In exploring a 
neighborhood where I found no church nor 
Sunday-school, and very few religious people, I 
met a party of men in a clearing, rolling logs. 



118 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

I was cordially greeted, and, as I sat in my 
saddle, I was offered a drink of whiskey, which 
I pleasantly declined. Then, I told them who 
I was, and what was my business, and arranged 
to have a meeting in the school-house that even- 
ing. I inquired if I could find a religious man 
in the settlement. " O yes, Mr. Turner, the 
shoe -maker, a mile from here, is a mighty good 
man, and goes for religion." 

I found him in his shop, a small log cabin on 
the road-side, and his dwelling back of it. I 
told him my object in visiting the settlement, 
and that I was a preacher. He heard me with 
astonishment, laid aside his shoe- making tools, 
and invited me to his house, saying that he was 
very glad to see me, and to bid me God-speed 
in my work. 

He was an Englishman from Bristol, where 
he had been a Sunday-school scholar and 
teacher. After supper, in his humble, but hos- 
pitable home, we started for the Cross Roads 
school-house. I saw Mrs. Turner folding a 
fork and a tallow candle in a piece of paper. 
I thought that I understood all the mysteries 
of log cabin life, but I could not understand 
why the fork and the candle should go together, 
unless she was returning the fork which she had 
borrowed of a neighbor that she expected to 
meet at the school-house. 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 119 

With Mrs. Turner, carrying the paper in one 
hand and a firebrand in the other, and her 
husband with a Bible, we made our way to the 
Cross Roads and found a number of people 
already there. At the school-house door, the 
good woman lighted the candle, perforated it 
with the fork, and stuck it in a log near the 
desk where I was to stand, a satisfactory solu- 
tion of the fork mystery. The school-house 
was well filled, and, considering the dim light 
and the promiscuous audience assembled, we 
had good order, and respectful attention. After 
preaching a short gospel sermon, I spoke of the 
object and methods of the Sunday-school work, 
and invited remarks by any of my hearers. 
Mr. Turner spoke very favorably, encouraging 
his neighbors to have a union Sunday-school 
established. 

A man, quite rough in his appearance, stood 
up in the dim light, and vigorously opposed my 
proposition to start a Sunday-school. He earn- 
estly warned the people to beware of the 
" black coat who was about to humbug them." 
He said that his father lived in New Jersey 
when the American Sunday-School Union 
started ; it was supported by British gold to 
unite Church and State, and that it was man- 
aged by priest-craft, adding, "If you have 
anything to do with this Sundaj-school business, 



120 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

you will rue the day. Keep out of it, and no 
harm will come." 

Another plain looking man said : " I heard 
this stranger in the clearing this forenoon, and 
this evening, and I am in favor of having a 
Sunday-school. I have nine children to send, 
and although I do not know much about the 
matter, one thing I do know— if it was not a 
good thing, the Esquire would not be so dead 
set against it." 

The vote to have a school organized was 
almost unanimous. Mr. Turner was chosen 
superintendent, and a small sum was raised for 
books, which, supplemented by a donation from 
the Union, provided the appliances, and a 
library of one hundred volumes worth ten dol- 
lars, needed by the school. On Sunday morn- 
ing a much larger congregation assembled, and, 
in the open air, I preached on what the Bible 
teaches concerning man as a sinner, and Jesus 
Christ as a Saviour. I was much encouraged 
by the attention of my hearers standing around 
me or seated on the grass. 

After the sermon, I invited all, young and 
old, that desired to enter the Sunday-school 
organization, to go to the school-house. About 
forty, chiefly young people, enlisted in the 
Sunday-school army under the generalship of 
the Bristol Sunday-school boy. After prayer 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 121 

and a hymn of praise, all who could read were 
supplied with Testaments if they had none. 
The others were supplied with the Union 
Primer, the Union Spelling-book (containing 
choice religious reading). Then, classes were 
formed as best we could, and teachers placed 
over them. The want of godly, intelligent, and 
competent teachers, we generally realized as a 
great obstacle in our work. After thus arrang- 
ing the scholars, I taught the Testament class, 
explaining the text, and asking questions, 
delighted with the attention and interest of the 
class, and the way several of them answered 
questions. The school prospered, and, in a 
few months, an itinerant preacher was attracted 
to the settlement. God blessed his labor ; a 
religious society was formed, and continues to 
this day. 

A Generous Old Lady. In the pursuit 
of my mission, my explorations resulted in 
holding a public meeting fairly attended ; and, 
finding several men and women of piety and 
experience in Sunday-school work in the old 
settlements willing to unite their efforts, the or- 
ganization of the school was well and easily ac- 
complished. 

An aged woman was greatly interested, but 
evidently did not understand the Sunday-school 



122 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

work. With a genial face and winning words 
she said : 

" I want to help the preacher and the Sun- 
day-school all I can. A cabin is empty on our 
place, and I have a cow I can spare, so the 
preacher may get along and live among us." 

I thanked her for her kind and liberal offer, 
but said that I did not expect to live in the 
settlement. 

" Well, then, who is to keep things a-going if 
you go away ? " 

I told her that the superintendent and teach- 
ers would do the work, and do it well. 

"I hope so," was her reply, "but, I never 
know'd that any of them could keep school 
or hold meetings." 

The generous old friend, in due time, found 
that home talent, with the blessing of God, 
could keep a Sunday-school and make it a great 
blessing in the community. 

In my missionary journeyings I came to a set- 
tlement where the growing prosperity of the 
inhabitants was indicated in hewed log dwell- 
ings, barns, and broader fields ; but I saw no 
house of worship, and the school-house was a 
shabby log building, and out of repair. In- 
quiring at a house about the religious affairs in 
the neighborhood, the replies were discouraging. 
As it was the noon hour, the farmer invited me 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 123 

to have my horse fed, and to eat dinner. I 
found him very sociable, but not interested in 
my mission. I inquired if he had religious 
neighbors. 

" Well, stranger, they are scarce ; but two 
miles from here, there is a Methodist, a good 
man, that can sing hymns and pray at 
funerals." 

By this time his wife had found a paper she 
wished me to read. It was a certificate of her 
church membership in Pennsylvania, ten years 
before. She mourned over her loss of religious 
privileges and Christian fellowship, but said : 
" 1 am holding on to the Sabbath day, my Bible, 
and secret prayer." 

She invited me to officiate at the family altar, 
all the family being present ; it was a great pleas- 
ure to comply. It was now time for me to make 
my way to the house of the " good Methodist 
who could sing hymns and pray." The hus- 
band instructed me how to find his home. The 
good wife said: "John, you go with him. 
You can cut through the woods and save a 
mile." 

" Oh ! I am too busy plowing." 

" The boys can do the work. I think you 
ought to go." 

Like a good husband, he obeyed his wife, and 
became my guide. We reached our destination 



124 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

and found our "good Methodist" at work hi 
the field. After a short conversation, during 
which I told him for what object I was travel- 
ling. He inquired : 

" Are you a Methodist preacher ? " 

" No, I am a Presbyterian, but my labors are 
undenominational. I aim to unite all religious 
people together, and establish union Sunday- 
schools, and preach the gospel pure and 
simple." 

" Well, I am a Methodist, and though we 
have no class here, I love my church, and want 
to be true to it. If you get up a Methodist 
Sunday-school, I will go in for it." 

" If the people in this settlement so desire, I 
will do all I can to help establish such a school. 
We force no ecclesiastical type on our mission- 
ary work, and the people can do as they 
please." 

At this point my guide spoke out : " I think 
it would be better for us all to unite and have 
a union school at first." 

Our Methodist friend said : "lam glad to 
find that you are in favor of such a good thing 
as a Sunday-school, and I will not insist on my 
way, but fall in with this preacher, and help all 
I can." 

A public meeting was held, well attended, 
and after my address, a unanimous vote settled 







Preaching on the Frontier. 



^ 
& 




?ab bath-school in the Woods. 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 127 

the question of organizing a union school, and 
our Methodist brother was chosen superintend- 
ent ; the only man in the district that prayed in 
public. He invited me to his house, as he 
wanted me to instruct him in the management 
of the school, and how to teach the Bible. 

On Sunday morning, a large crowd assembled 
at the school-house to hear preaching, and to see 
the Sunday-school established. My audience, 
respectful and attentive, more than filled the 
house, so I stood on the threshold and con- 
ducted the service ; more than half my hearers 
standing outside. I stood on a log, and took 
the names of all who desired to enlist as schol- 
ars, and forty-five were enrolled. We then 
went into the school-house, arranged the classes, 
and set the school at work. A class of boys 
using the Union Spelling-book had no teacher. 
I asked the superintendent to appoint one. He 
went out where most of the people remained. 
He came in, and said : " There is a young man 
seated on the fence, in his shirt sleeves, a red 
handkerchief around his neck. He don't swear, 
or drink liquor. Try him." 

I went out, put my hand on his knee, and 
asked him to help us, by teaching that class of 
boys. 

" O sir, I don't belong to meeting, and I am 
no school-master." 



128 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

" Do you believe in the Bible, and in Christi- 
anity ? " 

" Yes, indeed, I do, and my old mother is a 
good Christian." 

" Well, my friend, I know of no reason why 
you should not be like your mother, a good 
Christian in heart and life. Come in and help 
us." 

With a very serious look he said : " I 'ent 
much that way, but I won't hang back. I'll do 
the best T can." 

This man, a nominal believer in the Bible and 
in Christianity, the son of a godly mother, was 
the best material for a Sunday-school teacher 
available. I was glad to accept his service, and 
to hope that as a means of grace, it might result 
in his conversion and Christian character. 

The great draw-back on our missionary work 
in those early times was the want of qualified 
officers and teachers, men and women of faith, 
of Bible knowledge, apt to teach, and blessed 
with continuance in well doing. 

Yet, with one man or woman possessing the 
requisite qualifications, energy and persever- 
ance, a school could be established and sustained 
in almost any community. 

The distribution of the Holy Scriptures, plac- 
ing them where they will be appreciated and 
read, is another important part of our mission- 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 129 

ary work, useful and blessed of God. Enlisting 
teachers in this educational and religious service 
has been a blessing to multitudes, both in receiv- 
ing and imparting spiritual good, and develop- 
ing their religious life and talent. 

When I found a young man with the gift of 
teaching, holding, and instructing his class, I 
would become acquainted with him, his habits, 
avocation, character, his religious experience, 
and convictions of duty. Satisfied on these 
matters, I would present for his prayerful con- 
sideration the claims of the gospel ministry, if 
called of God to the sacred and important call- 
ing. In this way candidates for the ministry 
have been found, and encouraged to seek the 
sacred office. Responding to what they under- 
stood as the call of God, and Providence open- 
ing the way, they entered a course of education, 
and devoted their lives to the service of God 
and his church. 

A New Work. In 1842 and 1843, during 
the winter season, for several reasons my mis- 
sionary labors were prosecuted with serious dis- 
advantage, and were partially given up. To be 
useful, and to relieve myself of a financial bur- 
den incurred in building a house, I spent three 
months during each of these winters in teaching 
a private school. A number of young people 
in my congregation, and in surrounding neigh- 



130 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

borhoods, having graduated in their log cabin 
schools, were anxious to prosecute advanced 
studies. 

With the consent of my church, and granted 
the use of our chapel, I opened my school, and 
was well patronized. I had classes in Latin, 
mathematics, philosophy and literature. I found 
reviewing my studies of earlier years a pleasure, 
and of advantage. Some of my scholars entered, 
and succeeded in professional life — one was 
heard, as patriot and statesman, in legislative 
halls — one became, and is now, a distinguished 
journalist of national reputation — others be- 
came successful teachers and enterprising farm- 
ers : men and women with a record honorable 
to themselves, and their old instructor. 

Opposition and Rowdyism. In my preach- 
ing and Sunday-school missionary labors, I 
scarcely ever encountered opposition, or unpleas- 
ant treatment ; but, in advocating the cause of 
temperance, on two occasions the sons of Belial 
assailed me with weapons of their own selec- 
tion, but I escaped unharmed. 

While I was delivering a temperance address 
in the Washington Methodist Episcopal chapel, 
six miles from my own, on a pleasant Sabbath 
night, before a large and sympathizing audience, 
in the midst of my discourse, the windows being 
open, I became the target for a volley of eggs. 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 131 

I escaped the missiles, but, as the eggs dashed 
against the opposite wall, the " sun bonnets " 
of some of my lady hearers were sadly soiled. 
There followed a great commotion in my con- 
gregation ; women screamed, and the men rushed 
out to capture the cowardly assailants, but the 
evil-doers escaped. Order was soon restored, 
and we continued the meeting. We united 
heartily in singing the old and familiar hymn, 

" Acq. I a soldier of the cross, 

A follower of the Lamb ? 
And, shall I fear to owu his cause, 

Or blush to speak his name ? 
41 Sure I must fight, if I would reign, 

Increase my courage Lord, 
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, 

Supported by thy word." 

After this song, rendered with what we some- 
times called " arousement," I continued my ad- 
dress with a new-born freedom and enthusiasm. 
A goodly number signed the pledge, and the 
friends of law and order in that locality were 
multiplied and strengthened. 

Some time afterwards, a citizen from that 
neighborhood called on me at my home, and 
said : 

" I understand that I am suspected of being 
in the gang that threw eggs at yo.u while mak- 
ing a temperance speech in the Washington 
meeting-house. I want to assure you, Mr. 



132 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Chidlaw, I had no hand in it, and I want you to 
relieve me of being suspected. I don't believe 
in your style of temperance, but I respect you, 
and would never engage in such mean business 
as egging a preacher, or disturbing a congrega- 
tion." 

I accepted his statement, and hoped he would 
become a temperance man and a follower of 
Jesus Christ. 

On another occasion, while addressing a good 
audience in a log school-house, in a community 
where intemperance and drinking habits pre- 
vailed, and where, for the want of religious 
helpers I had failed to organize a Sunday- 
school, I suffered another attack. 

The school-house was lighted with three tal- 
low candles. All was orderly for some time, 
but* when my address was half finished, the 
candles were extinguished, leaving us in total 
darkness. Some of the "lewd fellows of the 
baser sort " scattered through the congregation, 
simultaneously did this deed of darkness so 
as to break up our meeting. Some confusion 
ensued. I entreated my hearers to remain 
quiet. I could continue my address in the 
dark, and they could hear. 

A friend went to a farm-house near by, and 
obtained a firebrand, (no matches in those 
days) and relighted the candles. This opposi- 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 133 

tion, harmless as it was, helped to turn public 
sentiment in favor of temperance and its advo- 
cate. Our meeting progressed without further 
opposition, an organization was formed, and 
thirty-five members secured, and a marked im- 
provement in the habits of the people was the 
result. 

Backwoods Hospitality. In my early tours 
as a missionary of the American Sunday-School 
Union in the new settlements of Ohio and In- 
diana, the latch-string of the pioneer home was 
everywhere and always out. I always approached 
it with confidence, and seldom failed to receive 
a cordial welcome, and was greeted kindly when 
my mission was made known." 

" Yes sir, glad to see a preacher, and have him 
stay with us. We will do the best we can for 
you and your horse," would be the response. 

On an autumnal afternoon, making my way 
through the woods following a " blazed track " 
(trees marked in a straight line) from one settle- 
ment to another, I came to a clearing with a 
log house and barn that looked hopeful as a 
stopping-place for the night. Approaching the 
house, I saw a man engaged in skinning a wild 
deer that he had shot. After the usual saluta- 
tion to which he pleasantly responded, as it was 
near sunset, I inquired if I could be enter- 
tained for the night. He asked if I was hunt- 



134 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

ing land. "No sir," I replied. "I am a 
preacher of the gospel, and a Sunday-school 
missionary looking for work." He left the 
carcass and went to the house, and soon his 
wife came to the door, greeted me with a pleas- 
ant smile, and said : 

" We are not well fixed to keep you, but you 
are welcome to the best we have." 

The husband requested me to dismount, say- 
ing : 

" If you wait till I finish this job, I will see 
to your horse," adding, "or, if you like, you can 
put away the horse. You will find water at the 
trough by the well, and hay and oats in the 
barn." 

Accustomed to take care of my horse, I 
promptly attended to the business, and my 
faithful animal found a good place and plenty 
of feed. Then I went to the house, a round 
log building, 18x20 feet, one story, with a 
small window and a clapboard door hung on 
wooden hinges. The furniture was quite 
primitive, but everything neat and clean, and 
I found a comfortable seat on a splint bottom 
chair. 

The good wife came in with an apron full of 
corn she had just gathered in the field. Taking 
down from a peg in one of the logs a large 
grater, home-made out of a superannuated tin 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 135 

coffee-pot perforated with holes, she provided 
meal, and made excellent corn bread, familiarly 
known as " Johnny cakes," which, with fried 
venison, and spice-wood tea (an aromatic shrub 
that grew wild in the woods), made us a delicious 
supper. 

We spent the evening in pleasant and profit- 
able conversation, had family worship, and pre- 
pared for retirement. A bed was extemporized 
for the preacher on the puncheon (hewed slabs) 
•floor of the cabin, which with his saddle blanket, 
and his saddle bags for his pillow, made a com- 
fortable resting-place for the night, which was 
spent in refreshing sleep till day dawned next 
morning. 

Our breakfast was a repetition of the good 
supper the previous evening, with the change of 
rye coffee for spice -wood tea. 

The kind-hearted husband was not a professor 
of religion, but a firm believer in Christianity, 
and the Bible on which it is founded. His wife 
had a certificate of church membership given 
her when she left the old settlement, and earn- 
estly longed for gospel privileges and fellow- 
ship with the people of God. 

After family worship and religious conversa- 
tion, I was ready to continue my journey. My 
horse in good trim was brought to me at the 
door. I tendered payment for my accommoda- 



136 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

tion and cheer, but my generous host said : " No 
sir, your company and talk have paid up in full. 
Come again soon. We will be glad to see you, 
and hope to do better for you." 

Amid the toil and some privations incident 
to these early missionary services, the compensa- 
tion experienced in the pleasure and the suc- 
cess of the work, the kindness of the people, 
their ready mind to hear the word, and co-oper- 
ate in our efforts to accomplish our mission, 
were very satisfactory and comforting. 

Ecclesiastical Change. In the controver- 
sies preceding the division of the Presbyterian 
church in 1837, I avoided taking any active part, 
devoting my time and energies to my pastor- 
ate, and Sunday-school work. My relations 
to my brethren of the Presbytery and the 
churches, had always been pleasant, and for my 
advantage ; but in the spring of 1838, follow- 
ing my convictions and sense of duty, I applied 
to my Presbytery for a regular dismission to the 
New School Presbytery of Cincinnati. Instead 
of the usual letter, the following was granted, 
showing the spirit and feeling prevalent at the 
time : 

"Rev. B. W- Chidlaw presented an application for a cer- 
tificate of his moral and Christian character, stating that it 
was his intention to connect himself with the New School 
Presbytery of Cincinnati, and giving as his reason his con- 
scientious opposition to the exscinding and pacification acts 



PIONEER WORK IN OHIO. 137 

of the General Assemblies of 1837-8, and his unwilling- 
ness to continue any longer with the church. courts that re- 
cognize the constitutionality of said acts. 

" Wherefore, it was resolved, that his request be granted ; 
and, that Presbytery hereby express, in addition, their un- 
shaken confidence in, and their sincere and unbroken af- 
fection for said brother, with whom they have had such 
pleasant ministerial and social intercourse in our past con- 
nection ; and, now, as he is about to separate from us, we 
hope that our former friendly relations will still remain un- 
broken : and we pray that the blessing of the great Head 
of the church will go with him and make him a useful and 
efficient instrument in the hand of his great Master of 
building up his cause, and bringing sinners into the king- 
dom in whatever connection, and wherever he may be called 
in the Providence of God. 

" By order of Presbytery, 

" Thomas E. Huhges, S. C. " 

During the third of a century that the church 
continued divided, I ceased not to associate 
with, and to enjoy the confidence and brotherly 
kindness of rny brethren of the Oxford Presby- 
tery. 



CHAPTER VII. 

ANECDOTES OF PIONEER WORK. 

MY letter of dismission was honored when 
presented to the New School Presbytery 
of Cincinnati in session in the city, Rev. Ly- 
man Beecher, D.D., being moderator. At my 
request, the next meeting of Presbytery in the 
autumn was to be held in my church at Paddy's 
Run, twenty miles in the country. I invited 
Dr. Beecher to come out the day previous and 
to preach in the evening. To this he cheerfully 
responded. As he had never visited the con- 
gregation or preached in the neighborhood, his 
coming would be a great event in the com- 
munity. 

On a delightful afternoon in September the 
doctor arrived, wearied with the ride, and ready 
for a rest. In caring for his horse and buggy 
I found a tin bucket under the seat containing 
a piece of mutton and some vegetables, covered 
with a towel. This discovery was a mystery, 
and a serious perplexity to my wife. The time 
for supper was approaching, and her prepara- 
tions were made ; but the contents of the tin 

(138) 






ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 139 

bucket, and anxiety regarding the wishes of her 
venerable guest concerning his food, made her 
quite nervous. She proposed that I should call 
him at once, and ascertain what he would like 
for supper. While we were deliberating, the 
doctor came from his room, refreshed, and in a 
very happy mood. With fear and trembling my 
wife called us to supper. The doctor assured 
us that the ride and the country air had given 
him a good appetite, and that he would enjoy 
his meal in our country home. He spoke of the 
good bread and butter, the fried chicken was 
exactly to his taste, and the coffee with such rich 
cream was superior. 

His approving words relieved her anxiety 
about the supper, but left the contents of the 
tin bucket still shrouded in mystery. While 
enjoying his pleasant and inspiring conversa- 
tion after supper, I asked the doctor what. was 
his pleasure concerning the tin bucket and its 
contents. Arising to his feet, and clasping his 
hands, he said : 

"Why, brother Chidlaw, that was for Mrs. 
Beecher's dinner, and I forgot to leave it at the 
corner of Sycamore and Seventh streets to be 
sent to Walnut Hills ! " 

In the evening a large congregation crowded 
the meeting-house, and many were standing 
outside anxious to hear the celebrated preacher. 



140 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

The doctor was pleased to see such an assembly 
in and around a country chapel, but said : " I 
do not feel like preaching. Get another brother 
to take my place." I said this would not do, 
as the people expected to hear him, and if he 
did not preach they would be disappointed. 

In those days, tallow candles in tin candle- 
sticks on the walls and on the pulpit, afforded 
what was, indeed, " a dim religious light " in 
the house of the Lord. Rev. A. Benton, of 
College Hill, conducted the opening services in 
his impressive and inspiring manner. I was in 
the pulpit with Dr. Beecher, and doing all I 
could in trimming and snuffing the candles on 
the pulpit. The light was so dim that the emi- 
nent preacher found it difficult to use his manu- 
script, and on that account lie lost much of his 
usual freedom and power, and was evidently 
not himself. 

On leaving the chapel, old Deacon David 
Jones came to me and said : 

" You made a great mistake to-night in having 
that aged minister to preach. As Dr. Beecher 
failed to come you should have asked Mr. Ben- 
ton to preach." 

I told the good deacon that it was Dr. Beecher 
that preached, but if he would wait till to-mor- 
row, in daylight, when the doctor preached the 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 141 

opening sermon of the Presbytery, the preacher 
would be all right, and he would say so. 

The sermon he delivered at the opening of 
Presbytery was on the text. " But if our gospel 
be hid, it is hid to them that are lost," 2 Cor. 
4: 3. It was a wonderful discourse, and 
delivered with an unction from above that pro- 
duced a marked and deep impression on his 
hearers. The good old deacon was carried 
away with the sermon and its delivery, and till 
his death frequently referred to it as a grand 
vindication of the love of God in the gospel, 
and his justice in the terrible consequence of 
neglecting it. 

The meeting of Presbytery, the sermons 
preached, and the social intercourse of the 
ministers and elders with the people, greatly 
helped the young pastor, and was a benediction 
to the church and the community. Then, our 
ecclesiastical meetings were largely devotional, 
and for preaching — times of refreshing from 
the presence of God, and the awakening and 
conversion of sinners. 

Re-establishing my Home. On the 26th 
of June, 1842, I was united in marriage by Rev. 
Horace Bushnell, a venerable and highly esteem- 
ed pioneer preacher in the Miami valley, to Miss 
Rebecca Hughes, youngest daughter of Ezekiel 
and Mary Hughes, a substantial and religious 



142 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

family, and among the first settlers of White- 
water township, Hamilton county, Ohio. Mr. 
Hughes emigrated from North Wales in 1795, 
spent a year in Philadelphia, and in 1796, with 
his cousin Edward Bebb, landed from a flat-boat 
at Fort Washington (now Cincinnati) in the 
North-western Territory. In 1801, he bought 
two sections of land, the first land sold by the 
Government west of the Miami river. Then^ 
the public domain was sold in sections (640 
acres each) at $1.25 per acre, and as no less 
quantity could be bought, poor people suffered. 
General W. H. Harrison was then in Congress 
from the Territory, and by his efforts, a law was 
enacted to subdivide the sections into halves, 
quarters, and eighths, so that men of small 
means could secure land and homes. This 
public service rendered by General Harrison 
was a special advantage to the adventurous and 
hardy pioneers of those western wilds. 

The house of Mr. and Mrs. Hughes was the 
home of ministers, and a preaching place in early 
times before meeting-houses were built and 
churches organized. They, in their lives and 
character, aided largely in laying the founda- 
tions of education, morality, and religion in 
the community where they lived, and in a good 
old age, and full of years, were gathered to 
their fathers, leaving a good name an inher- 






ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 143 

itance to their children and the generation 
following. 

My home restored, a kind and faithful com- 
panion sharing my trials and labors, in efficient 
sympathy with me and my work, my pastoral 
and missionary labors were never so pleasant 
and apparently fruitful. 

A Change of Field. In 1844, after eight 
years of ministerial service at Paddy's Run, the 
church was growing in numbers and activity, 
my salary was increased, and the outlook was 
encouraging, but I was invited to another and 
peculiar field. After conference with my 
people, and prayer to God, I was led to tender 
my resignation ; which, with expressions of con- 
fidence, esteem, and love, my church accepted. 

In 1844 the Presbyterian churches of Cleves, 
Elizabethtown and Berea, two congregations a 
few miles apart, the former New School, the lat- 
ter Old School, weary of division, were ready to 
unite and to invite me to supply their pulpits. 
This field was attractive, my wife's family 
resided within its bounds, the prospect of 
re-uniting the congregations, with enlarged 
opportunities, and the understanding that I 
should continue my Sunday-school work, led me 
to accept the call. 

Selling my house, and aided by my father-in- 
law, I was provided with a comfortable home 



144 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

midway between the churches. Two brothers, 
Thomas and Jacob Hunt, wealthy farmers, built 
a meeting-house in Elizabethtown. Berea 
Chapel, near my dwelling, built in 1822, was 
repaired and beautified, and the church edifice 
in Cleves was improved, showing that the 
people had a heart to work and to encourage 
their minister. Love and harmony prevailed, 
our congregations improved, the Sunday-schools 
increased in number and interest, and additions 
were made to the church. In every way the 
good cause prospered, and the churches were 
strengthened, so that at the end of the year, it 
was thought advisable that each congregation 
should have a pastor. 

The American Sunday-School Union desired 
my entire time, and appointed me superintend- 
ing missionary for Ohio and Indiana, a position 
I felt it my duty to accept. Thus, with the best 
feelings of all concerned, my labors in these 
congregations terminated ; but I continued to 
reside within their bounds, so that when I would 
itinerate over my wide field, my family had a 
safe and comfortable home among their kindred 
and friends. 

New Duties and Responsibilities. As 
superintending missionary, I was placed in a 
broader and more important field, involving 
grave responsibilities. This was to find mission- 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 145 

aries, locate them on their fields, and introduce 
them to their work, show them what it was, and 
how to do it. 

The missionaries employed were ministers or 
laymen of different denominations, of good 
repute, experienced in Sunday-school work, 
intelligent, industrious, and devoted to their 
mission. Their work embraced the exploration 
of neglected and destitute places, settlements 
and villages, where no Sunday-school existed. 
By visiting families, and holding public meet- 
ings, they were to awaken an interest and to crys- 
tallize that interest into a union Sunday-school, 
and to enlist in its support officers and teachers, 
and to supply it with the necessary appliances 
and a library. Having as far as possible per- 
fected the organization, their aid was useful in 
instructing the officers and teachers in the art 
of teaching, and in the methods of managing 
the school and in the use of the library. 

In addition to this preliminary labor, the faith- 
ful missionary will, as soon and as frequently as 
possible, visit the schools, encouraging teachers 
and scholars, and by holding public meetings 
arouse a growing interest in the work, and may 
succeed in opening the way to establish a school 
in some adjoining destitute localitj^. For Sunday- 
school extension and real usefulness, as well as 
permanency of work in our average population, 
10 



146 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

such an agency is indispensable. The Sunday- 
school is taken where it is needed, the work of 
establishing it is performed, the interest neces- 
sary to sustain it is aroused and set at work. 
These things, and others that could be men- 
tioned, show the necessity and adaptation of the 
mission of the American Sunday-School Union 
to advance the religious education of our youth 
who are neglected, or superficially taught in the 
word of God and the way of salvation. 

Finding Missionaries. In travelling over 
the country I would hear of brethren qualified 
and ready to enter the service, and engage 
them. Sometimes, by correspondence, this 
would be accomplished, but not as satisfactorily 
as by personal acquaintance. 

In the spring of 1849, 1 found a daily school- 
teacher, a student from Oberlin College, em- 
ployed in a district in Colerain township, Ham- 
ilton county, Ohio, who had established a Sun- 
day-school in his district, and almost single- 
handed had sustained it successfully through 
the autumn and winter. He was through with 
the winter school, and anxious to find another, 
for with his earnings he was paying his way 
through college. He was receiving one dollar 
a day and boarding around for his service. I 
explained to him our missionary work, and satis- 
fied with his qualifications and religious char- 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 147 

acter, he was employed at the same terms, a 
dollar a day and necessary expenses. I reported 
to our secretary at Philadelphia, and the young 
man, Jackson G. Coffing, was commissioned. 

I assigned him to Decatur and Bartholomew 
counties, Indiana. With his experience, zeal, 
and faithfulness, in seven months he established 
twenty-five union Sunday-schools. He sold, 
and donated wherever aid to obtain a library 
was needed, $500 worth of our publications, and 
a large number of Bibles and Testaments, where 
there was a famine for the word of God among 
parents and children. 

While engaged in this Christian work, the 
great question of his life's work was settled. 
He determined to study for the gospel ministry, 
and entered an advanced class in Marietta Col- 
lege. During his vacations, he labored as a 
missionary in the Muskingum valley, where he 
established quite a number of schools, besides 
doing other work for the Master. 

After graduating, he went to the Union 
Theological Seminary, New York, and was 
employed by the New York Sunday-School 
Union in congenial service, for which he was 
well qualified, in the mission Sunday-schools of 
the city. Here, his labors, untiring and Christ- 
like, were greatly blessed in the gathering of 
neglected and exposed children into the Sun- 



148 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

day-school fold, and teaching them the truth as 
it is in Jesus. 

A Trophy. In his labors of love, he was the 
means of rescuing an orphan waif from the 
slums of Baxter street, New York ; a little girl, 
selling candy on the streets, whose home was 
with an aged and dependent woman, living in a 
cheerless garret. He interested some good peo- 
ple in her behalf, she was placed in a good 
home, attended school, the Sunday-school and 
the sanctuary. Educated and a Christian, 
Maria Cheeseman was returned to her kindred 
in England, a lovely, intelligent, and religious 
young woman. The story of her rescue, " The 
Candy Girl," is published b) r the society, a 
charming biography, illustrating the value of 
missionary labor among the outcast, friendless, 
and exposed city waifs. 

After graduating at the Union Theological 
Seminary, Mr. Coifing with his excellent wife, 
went to Syria, under the American Board of 
Foreign Missions. In a few years, they, with 
their co-laborers, had a Sunday-school of over 
500 scholars, and a flourishing church at Aintab. 
In the midst of his abundant and useful labors, 
while travelling to a missionary-meeting at the 
foot of Mt. Lebanon, mistaking him for an 
English tourist, he was killed by a murderous 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 149 

bandit — a tragic ending of a life God had so 
greatly blessed and honored. 

Thirty years after Brother Coffing had 
planted the Sunday-school banner in those two 
counties, I attended a Sunday-school Conven- 
tion. Memorials of his work were found, and 
his memory fondly cherished by some of the old 
people who remembered that servant of God 
and his work. 

Theological students w^ere employed for their 
vacation, and as far as possible in localities 
near at hand, or where they were acquainted. 
Some seasons I would employ ten to fifteen. 
Most of them would return from their fields 
bringing their sheaves with them, and bene- 
fitted in their personal religious life and expe- 
rience, testifying that in contact with the peo- 
ple, by public addresses and establishing schools, 
they acquired knowledge not attainable within 
the walls of the seminary. 

Funds expended in the employment of these 
young men answered a three-fold purpose: 

(1) The self-support afforded by their earnings. 

(2) The personal benefits they realized in the 
valuable experience gained. And, (3) the es- 
tablishment of these Bible schools where the 
ignorant and neglected are participants of spir- 
itual good, taught in the way of truth and 



150 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

righteousness, and, we hope, many of them 
becoming wise unto salvation. 

Steamboat Travelling. As my territory, 
from Evansville to Steubenville, was skirted a 
distance of about 700 miles by the Ohio river, 
I fotmd steamboat navigation very convenient 
and sometimes a light tax on my pocket-book. 
On one of my voyages, the cabin well filled, I 
found several religious people, and proposed 
that we should have a religious service after 
tea. The consent of the captain was secured. 
A lady at the piano, with a few voices singing 
a well-known hymn and a familiar tune, called 
my congregation, and I preached unto them the 
word of the Lord. My audience increased, the 
card tables were abandoned, and none of my 
hearers left me until I had pronounced the 
benediction. Several thanked me for affording 
them the opportunity of hearing a gospel ser- 
mon, and avowed themselves the disciples of 
Christ. 

The next morning, I called at the office to 
settle my fare. The clerk said : " Your fare, $5, 
was paid last night." 

" That, I think, is a mistake, sir, for I am 
sure I did not pay it." 

"It's all right, sir, all right. Your sermon 
last night paid your fare. We carry such 
preachers for nothing. No charge, sir." 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 151 

Another Experience. The custom pre- 
vailed on some of our river steamers that if a 
cabin passenger invaded the lower deck, the 
quarters of the crew, they would unceremo- 
niously surround him and demand a treat ; a 
bottle of whiskey or the money to buy it. Not 
thinking of molestation, with some religious 
tracts for circulation, I made my way down to 
the lower deck where I found several of the 
crew seated on benches. I greeted them 
politely, and was entering on my mission, my 
hands filled with tracts. At once, they crowded 
around me, demanding the treat, whiskey or 
money, or they would tie me to a post ; one of 
them holding a rope in his hand evidently 
ready for the business. I was in a dilemma. 
I did not think it right to give money for the 
purpose they named, and I did not like the 
looks of that rope. 

I spoke to them as gentlemen, and asked that 
before I was tied to the post they would let me 
speak five minutes on the subject of temperance. 
The request was granted, with only one dissent- 
ing voice. He " wanted no fooling." I spoke 
kindly and earnestly on the evils of drinking 
liquor, but very soon one of them said : 
u First rate, that is enough, let him go." 

" No, gentlemen, I have not finished my five 
minutes," and so I was allowed my time. I gave 



152 THE STOKY OF MY LIFE. 

each of them a tract, thanked them for my kind 
treatment, and went up into the cabin with a 
new experience. 

Soon afterward, a fellow passenger, enraged, 
threatened vengeance, with a bowie knife in his 
hand, saying that the deck hands had forced 
him to give them money to buy liquor. They 
had tied him to a post and extorted the money 
before he was released. I went to him, and re- 
lated my experience an hour or two before. 
He listened, cooled off, sheathed his bowie 
knife, and said : 

"I will know how to deal with such fellows 
hereafter ; but I must first quit drinking, be a 
temperance man, and learn how to make a tem- 
perance speech." 

Backwoods Currency. In the first settle- 
ment of Darke and Mercer counties, Ohio, in the 
absence of money, the hardy pioneers used, as a 
circulating medium, a home-made currency. 
The woods abounded in young hickory trees, 
just the material to make hoop-poles, which 
they would cut and take to market and barter 
for store goods, or cash. 

In a new settlement, a few miles from Fort 
Greenville, where General Anthony Wayne in 
1795 negotiated a treaty with the Indians, ced- 
ing a large area of land to the United States 
Government, I found several religious families 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 153 

without a church or a Sunday-school, but very 
anxious to enjoy gospel privileges and to have a 
Sunday-school established. The opening for 
my work was encouraging, and I entered upon 
it with confidence. In visiting the families dur- 
ing the day I announced a preaching service at 
their log school-house in the evening. I had a 
good turn out, my humble sanctuary was 
crowded, and I knew that my hearers were 
hungry for the word, glad to hear the gospel 
from the lips of a stranger. I endeavored to 
show them that godliness is profitable unto all 
things, and they gave earnest heed to the word 
spoken. At the close, we held a conference on 
the subject of establishing a Sunday-school. 
The outlook was bright, and a meeting for that 
purpose was appointed for the next evening. 

The following day I spent in becoming better 
acquainted with the people and their religious 
needs. I found several of different denomina- 
tions, and some of none, yet they were willing 
to unite in the support of a union Sunday- 
school. Two of the families had been con- 
nected with a Sunday-school in the old settle- 
ments, and having experience and an interest in 
the work, they gave me much encouragement. 

Our meeting to confer in regard to the estab- 
lishment of the school was well attended. 
After my address, a vote was taken, and it was 



154: THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

unanimous that a school should be started and 
a superintendent elected. I showed samples of 
the books necessary for the successful operation 
of the school, and asked for a contribution for 
their purchase. Knowing their poverty, I said, 
if they could raise five dollars, the society would 
donate the balance needed to secure the 
elementary books and a hundred volume library. 
The collection was almost a failure, the response 
was very feeble. While the financial movement 
was at a stand, I saw two men conversing to- 
gether earnestly, and one of them came to me, 
and inquired if I could use hoop-poles. I 
scarcely understood his question, and asked how 
hoop-poles could be converted into money. 

"I'll tell you our plan. John, and me, with 
our boys, can go to the woods, and cut a wagon 
load, and you can have them to help pay for 
these books we need, and want to have." 

"But, my good friend, I cannot take them to 
market in my saddle bag. What will it cost to 
take them, and how much money will a load of 
hoop-poles bring? " 

" Well, the road is good now, a team can 
take them to the canal, and return in about 
three days, and if the load is large, and the 
hoop-poles good, it will bring, say, four dol- 
lars." 

With this information, delighted with the 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 155 

willing mind of the people, and their anxiety to 
secure the books, I said : " The American Sun- 
day-School Union will take the will for the deed, 
and will give the books as a donation." 

This announcement was a joyous surprise to 
these people in their abounding poverty, and 
they accepted it as a gift, divinely bestowed 
from a source they knew not of. As the almoner 
of the benefactions of contributors to the Ameri- 
can Sunday-School Union, I always endeavored 
to be careful and judicious in their bestowment 
— to help those who did their best to help them- 
selves. In this way, the people were encour- 
aged, and the funds of the societ}^ properly ap- 
plied, a safe investment, yielding a large and sure 
dividend. 

Revisiting, I spent some time in North-west- 
ern Ohio breaking new ground and looking af- 
ter the Sunday-schools I had established on 
previous tours. I found most of the schools 
holding on and prospering. One had developed 
into a religious society, housed in a hewed log 
chapel, and enjoying the ministrations of the 
gospel. Some were languishing, and needed 
reviving, and two had " died out," disbanded, 
proved failures. I made inquiries to ascertain 
what had become of the Bibles, hymn books, 
and library belonging to the defunct schools. 
I was informed that after the schools ceased to 



156 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

exist the books, in equal shares, were divided 
among the families that attended the schools. 
Thus, the dead Sunday-school lived a vigorous 
life through the Holy Scriptures and a sound 
Christian literature in the homes, and in the 
hands of parents and children otherwise largely 
destitute. 

A Boy on the Wood-pile. In travelling 
through a new country from one settlement to 
another, following a poor path, or blazed tracks 
through the woods, I frequently lost my way, 
wandering in uncertainty till I would see an 
improvement, a new home in the forest, or 
strike a road. On such occasions, I generally 
found that my trusty horse having his own 
way would go in a straight line, and take me 
to a clearing, or a road ; but if I handled the 
reins, his course would be zig-zag, and we would 
wander in a circle, and make slow headway out 
of the woods. 

By the sagacity of my horse I was glad to 
see a fence, then a cabin, which I was glad to 
approach after wandering for hours in the for- 
est. On a wood-pile, in front of a log house, 
sat a boy reading. Emerging out of the woods, 
my eyes feasted on the sight, a grand spectacle 
of civilization in its literary character in the 
wilds of Ohio. Cheered by the unexpected 
sight, I rode up to the wood-pile, and greeted 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 157 

the lad, about fourteen j r ears of age. I inquired 
the way to a settlement I desired to reach. He 
answered my question satisfactorily. I thanked 
him and asked what book he was reading. 
Without looking for the title, he replied, 
promptly : 

" • The Bible is True,' sir." 
" What do you think of the Bible, my boy ? " 
" Well sir, I think a heap of the Bible, for it 
is the book that God gave us." 

" Where did you get the book you are read- 
ing?" 

" In our Sunday-school library, sir." 
" Where is your Sunday-school ? " 
" Two miles from here, at the cross-roads, 
where you turn east." 

" Do .you go two miles to a Sunday-school?" 
" O, yes sir, and I like to go." 
" When was your Sunday-school started ? " 
" Well, sir, about two years ago the Sunday- 
school missionary came along, and he helped 
the folks to start it, and Esquire Johnson has 
kept it a-going ever since." 

" What do you do in your Sunday-school ? " 
" Why, we learn verses in the week at home, 
and say them to our teachers, and we have ques- 
tion books, and we answer questions, and I get 
a new book every Sunday from the library." 
The book in the hands of that boy, " The 



158 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Bible is True," was published by the Amer- 
ican Sunday-School Union. The argument 
from the fulfillment of prophecy, in simple lan- 
guage, and easily comprehended, is the text of 
the book. It is just the book, in style, matter, 
and object that our boys and girls should read 
that they may know and believe that the Bible 
" is the book God gave us," and, thus instructed, 
they may " think a heap of the Bible," and ac- 
cept it as the only infallible rule of faith and 
practice. 

This incident, showing the value and import- 
ance of the Sunday-school, its Divine text- 
book, oral instruction, its literature, and its ele- 
vating influence, cheered my heart, and encour- 
aged me in the prosecution of my missionary 
labors, though sometimes attended with diffi- 
culties and disappointments. 

The missionary department of the American 
Sunday-School Union, as well as the publishing 
department, meets the condition and needs of 
the people in early settlements of the West, 
and, blessed of God, has accomplished a great 
evangelistic work in their behalf. 

Securing a Library. On "Seven Mile," 
a beautiful stream, tributary to the Great Miami 
river, in Butler county, Ohio, in a small village 
of the same name, I found a church of " United 
Brethren in Christ," a small brick meeting 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 159 

house, with a " circuit rider " preaching once a 
month, and no Sunday-school. Calling on the 
citizens at their homes, and finding in the daily 
school a teacher, religious and interested in Sun- 
day-school work, who would cooperate with me, 
I was much encouraged. Arrangements were 
made for a public meeting in behalf of early 
religious education and the Sunday-school 
work. 

The family that entertained me and my horse, 
became very much interested in my mission, 
and burdened me with kindness and attention. 
The farm was large and fertile, the barn well 
filled, and the home a two-story hewed log 
house, and their table loaded with substantial 
and delicacies. Seldom in my journeying had 
my lot fallen in such a pleasant place. 

At the appointed hour, I found the meeting- 
house well filled with respectable and well dis- 
posed people, waiting to hear my message on 
the Sunday-school subject. After my discourse, 
they voted to have a Sunday-school and elected 
the daily school-teacher superintendent. I had 
some books on the table, and spoke of the im- 
portance of a good supply for the use of the 
school, and that when they emplo}^ecl a man to 
work on their farms, they supplied him with the 
implements of husbandry necessary to work with 
advantage. The Sunday-school was a field to be 



160 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

cultivated, and these Bibles, hymn books, ques- 
tion books, are the implements needed, and a 
suitable supply at the opening of the school 
would cost $20.00. In a community so well-to- 
do, and apparently interested, I had no misgiv- 
ings as to raising the funds. 

I held a subscription paper and pencil ready 
to take names. The well-to-do farmer whose 
guest I was, and from whom I expected a good 
start, after a solemn pause ventured to break the 
silence, and said : " Put me down for a bit " (the 
eighth of a dollar). This was a damper and a dis- 
appointment. I hesitated to make the record, 
waiting for a better beginning. A voice came 
from the crowd, " Put my name down for a dol- 
lar." That I did with a flourish, and my host 
stood up, and said : " Well, if Jacob can give 
a dollar, I will do the same. Please change my 
figure." In a few minutes I had $18 subscrib- 
ed, and the congregation was "enthused" and 
delighted at the result of our meeting. 

The school was organized, and prospered, and 
continues to this day. Now, with two other 
large and flourishing schools in the village, it 
remains a witness not to despise the day of small 
things. 

A Presbyterian Camp-meeting. In 1846, 
the Presbytery of Cincinnati (New School) 
licensed A. A. Vance to preach the gospel. He 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 161 

spent several years of his young life in active 
business, serving the Lord at the same time, an 
elder in the church and superintendent of the 
Sunday-school, a diligent student of the Bible. 
Having a good common education, a knowledge 
of human nature, and being of studious habits, 
after spending a year in Lane Seminary he ap- 
plied for licensure. Some members of Presby- 
tery thought that he would better serve God as 
a layman ; others favored his application. He 
was examined, and performed certain parts of 
trial which were sustained, and after consider- 
able discussion he was licensed. 

The young preacher, anxious for work, did 
not wait for a formal call. He went out into 
the highways and hedges, found three feeble 
churches, almost ready to disband — a very dis- 
couraging field — in the hill country a few miles 
back of Madison, Indiana. With courage and 
faith, love to Christ and the souls of the perish- 
ing, he commenced his work. Visiting from 
house to house, his good social qualities, savored 
with grace, made many friends, and his earnest 
scriptural preaching fed the flock and won souls 
to the Saviour and his fold. 

Yearning for the enlargement of Zion and the 

salvation of souls scattered over his extended 

field, in September, 1846, he secured the united 

efforts of his three churches to hold a camp-meet- 
11 



162 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

ing. A central grove, convenient for the three 
churches, was selected, a beautiful spot, over- 
shadowed by forest trees. Some thirty families 
built log cabins surrounding the area where seats 
were provided for an audience of five hundred, 
and on the west side a platform was erected, and 
the preacher's cabin in the rear. These fami- 
lies brought their beds, cooking utensils, and 
provisions with them. In the rear of the cab- 
ins, fuel being abundant and water convenient, 
our daily bread was prepared, good farmer's 
fare, and plenty of it. The camp-ground was 
lighted with candles attached to the trees, with 
log fires burning in different places. 

These arrangements made, at the appointed 
day, the people, in wagons, on horseback, and 
on foot, began to arrive, and before sunset near- 
ly all the cabins were occupied. 

Pastor Vance, full of zeal and the spirit of ser- 
vice, was our leader, aided by Rev. Henry Lit- 
tle, agent of the American Home Missionary 
Society ; Rev. A. Carnahanof Dayton, Indiana ; 
Rev. H. Curtis of Madison, and the Sunday- 
school missionary. After an early supper, the 
camp shrouded in the mantle of night, and il- 
luminated by the blazing log fires and the tal- 
low candles on the platform, the sound of a tin 
horn called the people together for a prayer- 
meeting before the hour for preaching. A 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 163 

spirit of prayer evidently filled the hearts of 
the suppliants, beseeching the presence and 
power of the Holy Spirit in the encampment, 
and in the souls of all present. Two of the 
brethren preached practical discourses adapted 
to our circumstances at the opening of the meet- 
ing. They evidently interested and impressed 
the audience. At the close, the congregation 
dispersed. Those who lived not far away, went 
to their homes, the families to their cabins, and 
the five preachers to their quarters, comfort- 
ably furnished, for the rest of the night. This 
was our home, where we enjoyed social con- 
verse, laid out our plans, and received visitors. 
We were the guests of the families, and fared 
well. 

At five the next morning, the sound of the 
tin horn aroused us, and at six o'clock we had 
family worship in the cabin where we break- 
fasted. Then followed a half hour for prayer 
and conference held in front of the plat- 
form. During the day we had three sermons, 
doctrinal and practical — the law and the gospel 
— with earnest appeals to the unconverted to 
consider their ways, to repent of sin, and accept 
the Saviour now able and willing to save them. 
It was soon evident that the Holy Spirit was 
moving on the hearts of the people, reviving 
believers, and awakening the impenitent. Meet- 



164 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

ings for inquirers were held after the preach- 
ing, and the opportunit}^ to converse on the 
subject of religion was at first accepted by a 
few ; but, day by day, the number increased, 
and converts testified of the power of Jesus 
Christ to save, and their purpose to confess 
and to serve him. Meetings of session were 
held, and applicants for membership, if the way 
was clear, were received into the church. 

On the third day of our services, the com- 
munion was celebrated, and thirteen converts 
confessed Christ and partook of the sealing 
ordinance. Among these were a father and 
five children. The godly wife and mother had 
long prayed and faithfully labored for their 
conversion. She told one of the preachers the 
first day of the meeting, that she had in her 
heart the assurance that God would graciously 
answer her prayers, and that on this encamp- 
ment her husband and her children would be 
saved. God honored her faith and her labors 
of love in behalf of her family. The new 
members occupied the seat in front of the plat- 
form and the table, to take upon them the vows 
of the Lord, and to confess Christ before men. 
It was a touching sight when this wife and 
mother left her place among the communicants, 
and took her seat at the side of her husband, 
two sons, and three daughters, for the first time 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 165 

with them to commemorate the love of Jesus 
and his death for them. 

In the early days of the meeting, a young 
woman was awakened, and inquired what she 
must do to be saved, but her impenitent father 
placed every obstacle in her way. She con- 
tinued to seek her personal salvation, and was 
converted. Her father relented, and, on the 
last day of the meeting, he met the session, 
applied for membership, and was received. 

During our six days of waiting on the Lord, 
our congregations were good and orderly. To 
the " lewd fellows of the baser sort " a Presby- 
terian camp-meeting offered few attractions; 
hence, we were not disturbed. This conse- 
crated week, spent on the mount, in the forest 
of Indiana, was a blessing to us all. Near 
forty sinners professed their faith and trust in 
Jesus, three weak churches, a year before on 
the eve of dissolution, were revived and 
strengthened, and were rejoicing in bright 
prospects for the future. As ministers, we 
enjoyed preaching the gospel, the inquiry meet- 
ings, personal intercourse with the people, and 
especially, our social, brotherly fellowship in 
our quarters, and walking in the woods, realiz- 
ing the sweet experience so happily expressed 
in the hymn : 



166 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

" Blest be the tie that binds 

Oar hearts in Christian love ! 
The fellowship of kindred minds 

Is like to that above. 
* * * * 

11 From sorrow, toil, and pain, 

And sin, we shall be free ; 
And perfect love and friendship reign 

Through all eternity." 

Of these dear brethren, pastor Vance, the true 
servant of Christ and his church, in two years 
was called from the work he loved so much to 
the rest above ; Brother Carnahan, dearly- 
beloved, and highly esteemed for his work's 
sake, departed many years ago; Brother Henry 
Little, the pioneer herald of the cross in 
Indiana, a workman that needeth not to be 
ashamed, apt, and clear in dividing the word 
of God, and faithful in proclaiming it, like a 
shock of corn fully ripe, was more recently 
welcomed to the heavenly home ; Brother 
Curtis, with his silver tongue, warm Christian 
heart, and passion for souls, has also ended his 
earthly consecrated labors, while the writer, 
now far down the declivity of life, is still at 
work, satisfied with the long life God has given 
him, and cheerfully and hopefully waiting the 
will of his Lord ; while his co-laborers at the 
Middle Fork Presbyterian camp-meeting have 
finished their course, kept the faith, and won 
the prize. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 

A Step Onward. As Sunday-schools multi- 
plied, and public interest in the work 
increased, I found it practicable in towns, and 
sometimes in the country, where we could 
unite two or more schools to hold a special meet- 
ing for worship and instruction. Securing the 
approval and cooperation of the ministers and 
officers of the schools, and holding the meeting 
at an hour not interfering with the other ser- 
vices, we had large audiences of scholars, teach- 
ers and friends. 

Our object being to interest the youth in the 
study of the Scriptures, and in the increase of 
religious knowledge, I never aimed to amuse 
my hearers, or to excite merriment and laugh- 
ter. The work on hand was too serious and 
important to admit of " courting a smile, when 
I should win a soul." I always endeavored, 
after selecting a proper subject, in a lively, and, 
if possible, in an interesting way, to arouse and 
hold the attention of my youthful hearers, and 
to feed them with "the sincere milk of the 

(167) 



168 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

word," that, thereby, they might grow in grace, 
and in the knowledge of God, of Christ, and 
salvation. The " old, old story " told in simple, 
clear language, illustrated by incidents, graphic, 
and with a point easily seen and understood, 
seldom failed to interest my confiding and 
impressible hearers. 

Of this I had an illustration in 1889. Invited 
to address a large Sunday-school gathering at 
Mt. Auburn, Cincinnati, on the occasion of the 
dedication of "Clifford Chapel," their beautiful 
and well arranged Sunday-school home, the 
superintendent, George Keys Thompson, Esq., 
a distinguished lawyer and elder in the church, 
a leader in religious work, in presenting me to 
the congregation composed of adults and youth, 
said : " When I was a boy, attending Sunday- 
school, a Sunday-school missionary addressed 
us. His talk interested and impressed my 
young mind, and I have never forgotten some 
things he said ; and, now, my dear scholars, I 
am going to introduce the same Sunday-school 
missionary to you." 

This unexpected testimony from such a wit- 
ness, in such encouraging words, cheered and 
strengthened my soul, and filled it with thanks- 
giving to God for the privilege and pleasure of 
being his servant in such a blessed work. 

Sunday-school Celebrations. With the 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 169 

advance of the Sunday-school cause in the 
country, especially in agricultural districts, 
another phase of progress and usefulness was 
developed in popular gatherings of youth and 
adults. In the summer, after the harvest was 
gathered, and farm work was not pressing, 
arrangements would be made for this gathering 
of Sunday-schools and their friends. A com- 
mittee would be appointed, whose duty it was 
to select some central grove for the place of 
meeting, prepare the platform and the seats, 
arrange the singing, and select the speakers. 

Generally, from five to twenty schools would 
unite, from a large area of country, and repre- 
senting all denominations. At the appointed 
time, the schools, averaging seventy-five scholars, 
in decorated farm wagons, drawn by four horses, 
would arrive at the entrance of the grove. On 
their arrival, with the national flag and their 
Sunday-school banners waving, they would be 
welcomed by the local school, and escorted, 
singing as they marched, to the seats in front/ 
of the platform. When all the schools were 
assembled and seated, one of them would go to 
the platform and open the service, singing a 
favorite hymn, followed by reading a Scripture 
lesson, and prayer. Another school would then 
take the platform, and praise God in sacred 
song, the audience joining in the chorus. With 



170 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

this introductory service preparing the way, an 
address on some subject relating to religious 
education would be delivered, followed by 
another on some feature in our Sunday-school 
work, regarding methods' of management and 
teaching, and the use of the library. At the 
noon hour, the grove carpeted with green sod 
would suddenly become a vast dining hall. 
On white table cloths, spread on the green sod, 
the well filled baskets would be emptied of 
their contents, and a well prepared and plenti- 
ful dinner would be relished. 

The grove then presented a lively social 
scene. Scores of groups, families and invited 
guests, happy and joyous, beneath majestic 
trees, was an inspiring scene, the product of 
our Christian civilization and our Sunday- 
school work. During this noon hour, socia- 
bility had the sway, old friends met each other, 
and new acquaintances were made, and the 
young people were free and easy, enjoying 
themselves in the most decorous and genial 
manner. 

The singing on the platform by one of the 
schools was our call to re-assemble. Addresses 
to parents and teachers and the general public 
were heard, interspersed with soul-stirring 
songs, rendering our afternoon services inter- 
esting and profitable. At its close, there took 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 171 

place a general hand shaking and hearty good- 
bye. Then, in their wagons, waving their 
banners, and with the voice of song, the schools 
departed, and the crowd soon dispersed. Such 
a day of relaxation, instruction, and Christian 
sociability, had a favorable influence on the 
moral and religious interests of the people and 
on the advancement of the Sunday-school cause. 
Sunday-school Conventions. Another 
footprint of the onward march of Sunday-school 
progress and usefulness was indicated in the 
organization of union county conventions in 
Ohio and Indiana, as well as all over our broad 
land. Thirty years ago many of the counties 
of Ohio were organized, and in excellent work- 
ing order. Their annual meetings brought 
together many fellow laborers for prayer and 
conference, collected reliable statistics, and pro- 
moted Christian unity and co-operation in the 
furtherance of the good work. For the more 
vigorous and successful prosecution of the 
work, township organizations were secured, and 
a system of visitation of the schools introduced 
with very satisfactory results. It was found 
that if these county and township organizations 
were worked in love and with spiritual power, 
with wisdom and faithfulness, new life and 
energy would be infused all along the line of 



172 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Sunday-school effort to teach the Bible, to save 
souls and to honor God. 

State Organizations. The spirit of union and 
labor developed in the county and township 
organizations naturally led to a State Union. 
The first that I attended, and probably the 
first in Ohio, was held in Cincinnati. General 
O. M. Mitchell, the devout astronomer and 
brave soldier, was president. For two days 
Smith and Nixon's Hall was crowded, and great 
interest manifested in its proceedings. Ad- 
dresses were made by Hon. John A. Foote of 
Cleveland, Hon. Belamy Storer of Cincinnati, 
and other earnest and able advocates of the 
Bible study, and of the Sunday-school as a 
potent agency in its promotion. 

In the early history of these state Sunday- 
school conventions I was honored with invita- 
tions to attend and participate in those of New 
York, held in Binghamton ; Wisconsin, in 
Racine ; Missouri, at Warrensburg ; Illinois, at 
Bloomington ; Indiana, at Indianapolis ; Massa- 
chusetts, at Boston ; Kentucky, at Maysville ; 
Michigan, at Detroit, and in the Dominion of 
Canada, at Montreal and at Kingston. 

Attending these conventions, and associating 
with so many Christ-loving and earnest people, 
deeply interested and experienced in the Sun- 
day-school work, and in the religious welfare of 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 173 

youth, was to me a great advantage, broaden- 
ing my views of the work, and by the inter- 
change of ideas my knowledge was increased, 
my confidence strengthened, and my zeal quick- 
ened. I am a debtor to my co-laborers for a 
large amount of encouragement, inspiration, 
and help in missionary labors. 

I cherish many and precious memories of 
these state conventions. At Detroit, Michi- 
gan, a large, enthusiastic, and practical meet- 
ing, it was my lot at an evening service to be 
sandwiched in the order of speaking between 
the distinguished philanthropist, Gerrit Smith, 
Esq., and the no less distinguished soldier and 
statesman, Hon. Lewis Cass. Their eloquent 
and weighty endorsement of Christianity, the 
Bible and the Bible school, the Sabbath and 
the sanctuary, thrilled the great congregation 
with delight and enthusiasm ; with courage and 
strength to do more and better work for Christ 
and the children, for God and the country. 

One of our early conventions in Ohio was 
held at Columbus, where the Sunday-school 
host mustered in great numbers. T. P. Handy, 
Esq., of Cleveland, presided. The subject of 
Sunday-school literature was thoroughly dis- 
cussed. Libraries, carefully selected by compe- 
tent persons, were commended, and their intro- 
duction and use recommended. " How to hold 



174 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

our scholars in regular and continued attend- 
ance " was considered, as also the subject of 
" Sunday-school benevolence; how developed, 
and to what applied." 

The last afternoon was devoted to the chil- 
dren. The schools of the city met in their 
respective churches, and numbering 3500 
scholars, officers and teachers, with waving 
banners and music, marched to the eastern 
terrace of the State House, where, surrounded 
by a large assembly of citizens, after singing 
and praying, they were addressed by Hon. Wil- 
liam Dennison, governor of the State. In 
"thoughts that breathe, and words that burn" 
he eloquently and effectively commended the 
Sunday-school, its literature and hallowed influ- 
ences, to the confidence, and liberal support of 
all citizens that loved their country, their God, 
and their race. 

The First National Sunday-school Convention 
I attended was held in Jaynes' Hall, Philadel- 
phia. Gov. James Pollock presided. Sixteen 
States were represented by 600 delegates, and 
two days were spent in prayer, praise and in 
the earnest discussion of great principles rela- 
ting to Bible study, Sabbath observance, and 
the evangelization of the masses. An hour 
during the second day was given for a chil- 
dren's meeting. George H. Stuart presided. 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 175 

The immense hall was crowded, and addresses, 
short and ringing, were delivered by Ralph 
Wells, Esq., of New York, Rev. S. H. Tyng, Sr., 
D.D., and Rev. H. Clay Trumbull, of Connecti- 
cut, and others. The meeting was a grand 
success, interesting old and young, and worthy 
of the great convention under whose auspices 
it was held. 

The International Convention marked 
another era of progress in the Sunday-school 
work, especially in its extension, and the growing 
spirit of unity and cooperation in its advance- 
ment. The first of these new national conven- 
tions was held in Indianapolis, in 1872, when, after 
considerable discussion, the plan of using uniform 
lessons was adopted, and provisions made by the 
appointment of a large and competent committee 
of ministers and laymen of six different denom- 
inations to carry it out. The formulated les- 
sons have been used for many years. Some 
Bible teachers, earnest and faithful, have found 
the lessons fragmentary and the continuity of the 
text broken, a great disadvantage in obtaining 
a systematic and satisfactory knowledge of the 
word of God, and that the idea of all our 
schools having the same lesson would be a 
great advantage. This is more of a sentiment 
than reality. 

Fifty years ago, the American Sunday-School 



176 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Union prepared and published a series of con- 
secutive question books, in which the text was 
unbroken and its continuity maintained. For 
many years they were widely used, and found 
very helpful in the systematic study of the 
Holy Scriptures. 

Called East. In the spring of 1845, 1 was in- 
vited to attend the twenty-first anniversary of the 
American Sunday-School Union in Philadelphia, 
on the 20th of May. On Sunday evening pre- 
vious, the annual sermon was preached by Rev. 
Richard Storrs, D.D., of Braintree, Massa- 
chusetts. The service was held in the First 
Presbyterian Church, Washington Square. The 
pastor, Rev. Albert Barnes, presided. The 
sermon on the "Reasonableness of early re- 
ligious training," was appropriate, instructive 
and eloquent. 

The anniversary services were held in " Musi- 
cal Fund Hall," the spacious auditorium 
crowded to its full capacity, Hon. Alexander 
Henry, the venerable president of the society, in 
the chair. Professor Bird led the singing. 
Rev. D. M. Reese, D.D., of New York, de- 
veloped the principles and objects of the society, 
and made an earnest plea for the extension of 
its important mission in behalf of our neglected 
juvenile population. Addresses were also de- 
livered by Rev. Dr. Johns of Baltimore, and Wil- 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 177 

liam Maxwell, LL.D., president of Hampden 
Sydney College, Virginia. 

This was the first anniversary I had the 
privilege of attending. My participation was 
reported, and I take the liberty of transcribing 
it. " Rev. Mr. Chidlaw, who has been a mis- 
sionary of the society for many years in the 
West, with great force and eloquence described 
the field of his labors, the peculiar appropriat- 
ness of the union principle to the present state 
of the work, and the imperious necessity there 
is for an enlargement of our efforts. Mr. Chid- 
law illustrated his views by some very graphic 
descriptions of scenes which have passed under 
his own eye." 

In the autumn of 1845, I was invited by 
the American Sunday-School Union to spend 
three months in the East. Then, the journey 
was easy, and performed in less than a 
week. On my arrival in Philadelphia, I 
reported at the Depository, and was kindly 
received by the secretaries and other officials, 
and delighted with the appearance of our 
headquarters. The next day, in conference 
with the secretaries, I was informed, in regard 
to my mission ; to present the object and claims 
of the society, giving information of its opera- 
tions, and enlisting material aid in its support. 

Entering on this new line of service, I felt em- 
12 



178 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

barrassed and rather discouraged. Receiving 
further instructions and encouragements, I left 
for Boston. 

On the way, I was to spend a few days in 
New York, to participate in the anniversary 
meeting of the Pearl Street Sunday-School Mis- 
sionary Association — my early supporters and 
kind helpers in my work from its commence- 
ment. To them I owe my introduction to the 
American Sunday-School Union, and for many 
years my continuance in its service. My so- 
journ, sharing the genial hospitality and the 
society of these esteemed friends, old and 
young, was very pleasant and helpful. 

On the steamer " Cleopatra " we had a boister- 
ous night on the Sound, weathered the storm, 
and reached Boston in safety. I found my way 
to the Depository, No. 9, Cornhill, and delivered 
my letter of introduction to Rev. W. B. Tappan, 
our agent there. His reception was very 
cordial, a rift in the cloud that darkened my 
sky, and a solace for a disturbed mind from 
which I was suffering — a stranger, unknown, 
and inexperienced in the work before him. 
Brother Tappan introduced me to several min- 
isters and laymen engaged in Sunday-school 
work, but the way to the pulpit and the Sun- 
day-school platform, to present the work and 
needs of the American Sunday-School Union, I 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 179 

found a hard road to travel, and I was much 
discouraged. In my extremity, after repeated 
failures to obtain a hearing, I was invited to 
address a Sunday-school meeting in "Spring 
Lane Chapel " of the Old South Congregational 
church on a week evening. 

I found a fair audience, and told the story of 
my missionary experience, showing the spiritual 
necessities of my field, the adaptation and suc- 
cess of our labors to meet those necessities, and 
appealed for aid. The next day, the pastor, 
Rev. G. W. Blagden, D. D., called on me at the 
Depository, invited me to tea, and to lecture in 
the evening. This was bright sunshine on the 
hitherto dark landscape in the city of Boston. 
After my lecture on a gospel theme, the kind 
pastor said : "I would like you to address my 
people in Old South church Sunday afternoon, 
but I do not think that it will be well, then, to 
apply for a contribution ; yet, I hope to secure 
aid for your work." 

In Old South church, beneath the sounding- 
board, the western missionary was by no means 
at home in the presence of a Boston congrega- 
tion ; but looking " unto the hills, from whence 
cometh my help," I delivered my message with 
unexpected freedom. At the close, Dr. Blag- 
den, who was with me in the pulpit, said : 
" Though the missionary did not ask for a con- 



180 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

tribution, the work which he has described 
makes a strong appeal, and I am sure you are 
ready to cheer him and aid his cause." In a few 
minutes the society was enriched in a liberal 
contribution, and for many years " Old South," 
now "New Old South," did not, in its benefac- 
tions, forget the American Sunday-School Union, 
and its important mission in behalf of the youth 
of our country. 

This auspicious beginning was followed by 
similar favors from Drs. Kirk, Stone, Adams, 
and Rev. Edward Beecher. Invitations to 
address Sunday-schools and teachers' meetings 
enlarged my field of labor and aided me in my 
work. During my two months in Boston, on 
week evenings I was invited to attend meetings 
in town and villages outside, where I was 
greeted by good audiences, and received gener- 
ous responses through the collection boxes; free- 
will offerings to the society " that cares for the 
children." 

After all my discouragements and the difficul- 
ties encountered, my visit to Boston and vicin- 
ity was far from a failure. I made many friends, 
and my collections far exceeded my expecta- 
tions. During this visit, through the kindness of 
friends, I enjoyed the privilege of visiting penal, 
reformatory, and charitable institutions, afford- 
ing me much valuable information, and first 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 181 

interesting me in a line of work congenial, and, 
I hope, useful for the rest of my life. 

The East Re-visited. In the spring of 
1849, I was invited to attend and to participate 
in the anniversary meetings of the American 
Sunday-School Union in Boston, New York and 
Philadelphia. In Boston, the anniversary was 
held in Tremont Temple, in the presence of a 
large and appreciative audience. Gov. Briggs 
presided, and made the opening address, show- 
ing his knowledge of the Sunday-school enter- 
prize and of its mission in behalf of the rising 
generation. He was followed by Rev. Dr. God- 
dard of Philadelphia, L. B. Tousley, Esq., the 
childrens' preacher from Western New York, 
and the western missionary. The interest in 
this cultured audience, and the singing, by a 
choir of 300 scholars, reminded me of some of 
our enthusiastic grove-meetings at home. 

On the Boston Common. On the next 
day, under the leadership of George R. Samp- 
son, Esq., a grand union Sunday-school celebra- 
tion was held on the Common. Fifty-five 
schools participated, in five divisions, assem- 
bling in Tremont Temple, Park street church, Mt. 
Vernon church, Bromfield street church and in a 
hall, eleven schools at each place. Uniting at a 
designated place, escorted by a band of music, 
the procession marched to the platform erected 



182 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

on the north side of the fountain. It was esti- 
mated that twelve thousand scholars were in 
line, besides an equal number of adults sur- 
rounding this grand division in the Sunday- 
school army, standing a solid phalanx neaf the 
platform. After the opening prayer, the schol- 
ars, with heart and voice, rendered the hymn, 

" God bless our native land ! 
Firm may she ever stand 

Through storm, and night/ ' etc. 

From the platform, this sea of up-turned faces, 
bright, happy, and interested, was a most in- 
spiring spectacle, and a severe test of the ability 
of the two missionaries of the American Sun- 
day-School Union to hold the attention and to 
interest such an audience. 

In New York. The New York Sunday- 
School Union, then a strong and vigorous 
organization, held its celebration. During the 
day, a procession of over one hundred schools 
with twenty thousand scholars and teachers 
paraded the streets with banners and music, 
and in divisions marched to several of the large 
churches and to Castle Garden, where addresses 
were delivered and refreshments provided. 
This was a wonderful demonstration of the 
extent and importance of the Sunday-school 
work in the city, the faithful and successful 
labors of its friends, and of the blessing of God. 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 183 

In the evening the National Society held its 
anniversary in the historic " Tabernacle/' low 
down in Broadway ; forty years ago the religious 
centre of the city, if not of the Nation. For 
many years, the great national organizations 
in the interest of religion, philanthropy, and 
patriotism, held their anniversaries within its 
sacred walls, and on its platform were heard 
pleading for the right, and the true, the most 
eminent and eloquent men of the age. 

On this occasion, with a crowded house, Rev. 
Dr. Ferris, whose name and memory are yet 
fragrant in the metropolis, presiding, three 
addresses were delivered, and a series of reso- 
lutions favoring the mission work of the 
American Sunday-School Union enthusiastic- 
ally adopted. 

Again in Philadelphia. At the home of 
the National Sunday-School Union, the anni- 
versary services for 1851 were interesting and 
well attended. On the Sunday evening pre- 
vious, Rev. Dr. Hutton, of New York, preached 
in the First Presbyterian church an excellent 
sermon on the power of early religious culture 
to save our youth, and to bless our country. 

On Tuesday evening, in the Music Fund 
Hall, the anniversary services were held, Hon. 
Judge Hall, of Delaware, in the chair. The 
secretary, F. A. Packard, Esq., read an abstract 



184 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

of the report, showing that 127 missionaries 
were employed, that 1394 new schools had been 
established during the year in twenty-three 
different States and Territories. They dis- 
tributed by sale and donation $32,984 worth 
of religious publications, in communities very 
destitute of such literature. The income of the 
society for the year was nearly 135,000, ex- 
pended in benevolent work, the publication 
department being self-supporting. Addresses 
were delivered by Mr. Pilatte of France, Dr. 
Tyng of New York, and the western mis- 
sionary. 

Attending these anniversaries, meeting old 
friends, and making new ones, my heart was 
strengthened with courage and faith. I was 
ready to return to my field and resume labor. 
With increased means to employ missionaries, 
and to grant, when needed, donations of books 
to new and poor schools, an advance was made 
in our work, which God crowned with his bless- 
ing. 

Helpers in My Work. From 1845 to 1860, 
my time was divided, generally spending a part 
of each year in the East in behalf of the Ameri- 
can Sunday-School Union, and the rest of the 
year in the West in missionary and revival 
work. 

My winter labors in the East were made 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 185 

pleasant and effective largely through the as- 
sistance and encouragement of friends. In New 
York, Rev. R. B. Campfield, the faithful and 
energetic agent of the society, rendered me 
invaluable aid. The benefit of his experience 
and knowledge of the city he freely imparted 
to me, which I always found beneficial and 
helpful. From A. P. Halsey, A. R. Wetmore, 
H. A. Kerr, and especially Robert Carter, men 
whose hearts God had touched, able and willing 
to aid a stranger, I derived not only kindness, 
but real help in time of need. They introduced 
me to Rev. Drs. McElroy, Adams, Hatfield, 
DeWitt, Phillips and Hutton, whose confidence, 
sympathy, and endorsement rendered my labors 
a pleasure and a success. 

In Philadelphia I experienced the same kind- 
ness and help from the secretaries, F. W. Por- 
ter and F. A. Packard, and the managers and 
officers of the society. My brethren in the min- 
istry, Revs. Albert Barnes, Thomas Brainard 
and John Chambers, and others were on my 
side, and never failed to help the western 
brother when he applied. Such laymen as 
Ambrose White, Matthew Newkirk, Abraham 
Martin and Geo. H. Stuart held up my feeble 
arms, and cheered my fainting heart. 

Now, after the lapse of all these years, all 
these good and noble men, my efficient and 



186 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

constant helpers, have died, beloved in the 
Lord. 

In my labors East, it was my good fortune 
occasionally to be associated with Rev. John 
McCullagh, Stephen Paxson and R. G. Pardee, 
true yoke-fellows in all departments of Sun- 
day-school work. In the hills of Kentucky, 
the prairies of Illinois, in the mission-schools in 
New York, and in the valleys of Ohio, we were 
of one heart and of one mind, gathering the 
neglected lambs into the fold, and instructing 
them in the truths of the Bible. So, in our 
going in and coming out in the great cities of 
the land, we united our efforts to advance 
the interests of the American Sunday-School 
Union. They, also, have closed the work they 
loved and served so well, and entered the rest 
that remaineth for the people of God. 

Revivals of Religion. My experience in 
Wales and in my early pastorate, deeply in- 
terested me in revival work, and whenever an 
opportunity offered and my duties in other di- 
rections would permit, I would accept the invi- 
tations of pastors, or from vacant churches, to as- 
sist in holding protracted services, praying for 
and expecting a time of refreshing from the 
presence of the Lord, reviving his people and 
converting sinners. 

In one of my visits to Granville, Ohio, in be- 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 187 

half of the Sunday-school cause, at the request 
of the pastor, Rev. Jacob Little, D.D., I re- 
mained after the Sabbath to spend a few days 
with him in special religious services, the begin- 
ning of a precious and powerful work of grace, 
resulting in the hopeful conversion of nearly 
one hundred souls. 

Granville was settled by a colony from a place 
of the same name in Massachusetts. Before 
leaving their old home they were constituted a 
church, a body of believers, covenanting to serve 
God in the bonds of Christian fellowship. They 
came in wagons, and were thirteen weeks on the 
way. 

They erected a house of the Lord, and the 
school-house, both of logs, as soon as they were 
settled in the unbroken forests of Central Ohio. 
They prospered in the world, and sustained 
every good word and work. 

On the Sabbath, at the close of our forenoon 
services in the " White Meeting-house," as the 
collectors were gathering the usual offering for 
the American Sunday-School Union, the pastor, 
at my side in the pulpit, with evident emotion, 
said : " Brother Chidlaw, look over that gal- 
lery filled with young people. Very few of them 
are converted. Can you stay a few days and 
help me ? I believe God will bless us." I con- 
sented, and the pastor announced a protracted 



188 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

meeting, and made an earnest appeal for the 
church to prepare the way of the Lord, to re- 
move all stumbling blocks out of the way, and 
make a new consecration to meet the claims of 
duty. 

The next day several persons who had been 
at variance, called on the pastor, confessing 
their sins, and were ready for reconcilation. Oth- 
ers, delinquent in religious duties, with tears 
besought Divine forgiveness, and some awak- 
ened souls inquired what they must do to be 
saved. The good work progressed. The place 
of prayer was crowded, the number of inquir- 
ers increased day by day, and converts testified 
of the grace of God, and besought their un- 
godly associates to seek the Lord while he 
might be found. 

At a conference meeting, a man in middle 
life, a mechanic, careless, a reputed unbeliever, 
stood up, trembling, and said : " I am the last 
man in Granville that you would expect to 
speak in such a presence. God has aroused my 
sinful soul. I feel, and know, that I am a 
wretched sinner. Tell me how my soul can be 
saved ? " Fervent prayers were offered in his be- 
half, and he was instructed and encouraged, 
just as he was, a trembling penitent, to believe 
in Christ, and trust in him to save his soul. 
The guilty penitent sinner found pardon and 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 189 

peace, and went his way rejoicing. Over one 
hundred attended the inquiry meeting, where 
they were wisely, scripturally, and faithfully 
instructed, and their difficulties met and re- 
moved by the pastor and his helpers in the 
eldership. Very little excitement attended this 
blessed work. It was rather marked by deep 
and solemn thoughtfulness. 

My sojourn of ten days in Granville, amidst 
these revival scenes, associated with the pastor 
and his people in the delightful work, still ling- 
ers in memory, an occasion of thanksgiving to 
God for what I there enjoyed. 

Employment, 1850-1860. During the dec- 
ade from 1850 tol860 my labors when in my field 
consisted in superintending and cooperating 
with my missionaries, organizing Sunday-schools 
and supplying them with books, arranging for 
and participating in township, county, and state 
Sunday-school conventions, corresponding with 
contributors to the funds of the society, attend- 
ing grove-meetings, and preaching the gospel. 
In 1859 the record of my labors shows that I 
organized and aided thirty Sunday-schools, 
preached eighty-four sermons, delivered one hun- 
dred and seventy-nine Sunday-school addresses, 
travelled 11,700 miles, collected $2872.00 ; sal- 
ary 11000, expenses $190.25, including one trip 
to the East and my expenses there. 



190 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Ik 1855 A Depository was established in 
Cincinnati, where all the publications of the 
society could be found. This was a great con- 
venience to our missionaries, as well as to the 
Sunday-schools that wanted to replenish their 
libraries, or secure our periodicals, and it served 
as our head-quarters, and a center of Sunday- 
school work and workers. 

The Fourth of July Celebration. For many 
years we had observed this national day in our 
Sunday-schools. Sometimes several schools 
would unite, and celebrate it by a mass meet- 
ing in a grove, singing patriotic songs, reading 
the Declaration of Independence, followed by 
patriotic and historic addresses. On some occa- 
sions, the scholars would declaim selected 
pieces of a patriotic and religious character, our 
aim being to educate our youth in the history 
of our country — the War of the Revolution — 
the establishment of our Government — and the 
way God was blessing us as a nation. Thus 
we sought to implant and cherish in the minds 
of our youth, the principles of pure patriotism, 
loyalty to God and to the country. 

A Soldier of the Revolution. In 1855 I 
was invited to a mixed celebration to be held 
in a lovely grove near Harrison, Ohio, ten miles 
from my home. The citizens and the Sunday- 
schools were to combine, and a large gathering 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 191 

was expected. Half way between my home 
and Harrison lived Jonas Frazee, born in 1758 
at Westfield, New Jersey, a soldier in the revo- 
lutionary army, the last of those noble heroes 
living in this community. Early in this cen- 
tury he drifted into this region, a dissipated, 
indolent, godless adventurer. He was always 
poor, and lived on a small pension. In 1839 he 
lived in a cabin, a squatter on the estate of 
General Harrison at North Bend. About that 
time a revival of religion blessed the community 
in which he lived, and many turned unto the 
Lord and united with his people. 

This old soldier, who was never known to 
cherish any regard for Christianity, nor any inter- 
est in his own salvation, was induced to attend 
preaching. Soon he was awakened to a deep 
sense of his sin, and to feel his need of a Saviour. 
Receiving the sympathy of religious people, and 
instruction, with encouragement to embrace 
Christianity and give his heart to God, believing 
in Christ and trusting in his atoning blood, 
the aged wanderer returned from the famine 
land, found his Father's house and a cordial 
welcome. In due time, clothed, and in his 
right mind, he confessed Christ, and became a 
member of the Presbyterian church of Cleves. 

When under conviction and seeking salvation, 
in conversing with me, he used the language of the 



192 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

shorter catechism. In expressing his views of sin, 
he repeated the exact language of the catechism. 
I inquired how he was brought up in his youth. 

" Well, I can tell you. My parents, who 
lived in Westfield, New Jersey, were Presby- 
terians ; and I had to learn the catechism by 
heart, and once a month our pastor, Rev. Mr. 
Woodruff, had all the boys and girls come to the 
meeting-house and say the catechism. I didn't 
like it, nor understand much of it, but now it 
comes up in my mind." Thus, beneath the rub- 
bish of three-score and ten years of a life of sin, 
in the time of his need, groping for the light, the 
Holy Spirit moving his soul, these truths, lodged 
in his mind, were recalled, understood, and be- 
lieved. So the old veteran was converted, and in 
his life gave credible evidence of his genuine con- 
version, a monument of the abounding grace of 
God, and the value of early religious instruction. 

In arranging for the celebration, knowing the 
poverty of the old soldier, supporting his infirm 
wife and an invalid daughter on his small pen- 
sion of eighty dollars a year, I thought that by 
going a little out of my way I could take the 
old veteran with me and ask the congregation 
for an offering to cheer his heart and help his 
larder. Calling at the door of his cabin, I was 
told by his wife that a young man had taken 
him. Reaching Harrison, I drove him in my 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 193 

buggy to the grove, a mile from the village, and 
took him with me to the platform, in front of 
which a very large congregation of youth and 
adults had assembled. 

After singing patriotic hymns by the six 
Sunday-schools present, reading the Scripture, 
and prayer, the Declaration of Independence 
was read, followed by an address. The audience 
was becoming restless, and many had left their 
seats and were in groups talking. My address 
to the Sunday-schools was to be in the after- 
noon. Fearing that the audience would not be 
as large, I asked permission of the chairman to 
say a few words. The request was granted. I 
then asked the old soldier to stand up. I gave 
him my arm, and we paraded the platform. See- 
ing this movement aroused the audience, and 
brought the wanderers back to their seats. I 
then made my appeal, told the story of his sol- 
dier life in the revolutionary army, his present 
poverty, his advanced age, bordering on one 
hundred years, and that I wanted a generous 
offering for the old hero, and that, hat in hand, 
I would pass through the congregation. Voices 
now came from the crowd, " You speak on. We 
will pass the hats." They did so, and the hats 
came to the platform with $54 placed in the 
hands of a good man, subject to the order of 
Mr. Frazee as his necessities should demand. 

13 



194 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

While dining with him, from a good basket 
dinner, I inquired if he had received a land 
warrant for 160 acres, given by the Government 
to all the old soldiers of the Revolution. He 
replied that he had not. I then wrote to Hon. 
T. Scott Harrison, our representative in Con- 
gress, (the honored father of President Benja- 
min Harrison). Mr. Harrison knew the old 
soldier personally, promptly attended to the 
matter, and, very soon, a warrant was sent to 
Mr. Frazee. He was nearly blind, too old and 
infirm to go West and enter the land ; so the 
warrant, worth $200, was exchanged for a 
dwelling house in Miamitown, a village near 
the cabin where he lived. Thus, in the last 
years of his life, he lived in his own home, a 
freeholder. He did not live long in his com- 
fortable house, but died in peace ; and, at his 
request, was buried with military honors in the 
Berea cemetery. He desired that I should 
conduct the funeral service. 

While the large congregation were gathered 
around the grave, and ready to disperse, a friend 
came to me, and said : " One thing more you 
should do for the old veteran. Ask for money to 
erect a gravestone over his remains." I did so, 
and one hundred dollars was secured, and with it 
a large slab of pure marble with a suitable inscrip- 
tion was placed at the head of his honored grave. 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 195 

Annually, on Decoration Day, patriotic citi- 
zens, old and young, visited Berea cemetery, 
decorating with beautiful and fragrant flowers 
the graves of six fallen heroes of the war of the 
rebellion, two of the war of 1812, laying, with 
loving hands, their tribute of flowers on the 
grave of Jonas Frazee, the patriotic soldier of 
the Revolution, and the servant of God. 

Commissioner to the General Assem- 
bly. I was honored several times by my 
Presbytery with a seat in our General Assem- 
bly while the Presbyterian church was divided 
— once after the reunion. In 1851 I was ap- 
pointed by the Assembly in session at Utica, 
New York, with Rev. Ransom Hawley of Put- 
namville, Indiana, a veteran in the ministry, to 
represent the Assembly at the Congregational 
Association of Massachusetts and Connecticut, 
the former meeting at Waltham, and the latter at 
Bridgeport. These large and influential ecclesias- 
tical bodies gave us a most fraternal reception. 

Our addresses, when presented, were heard 
with interest, and our Christian salutations 
kindly received. The responses showed broth- 
erly sympathy and appreciation of the stand 
taken by the New School Presbyterian church 
in its protest against American slavery, intem- 
perance, and Sabbath desecration. They re- 
joiced in our prosperity and aggressive move- 



196 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

merits in the work of home and foreign evan- 
gelization. 

During this visit, we were invited to hold 
meetings in prominent churches in behalf of the 
interests of Christianity in the West. Brother 
Hawley gave his experience as a home mission- 
ary and a pioneer preacher in the wilds of Indi- 
ana, always delighting his hearers and arousing 
their interest in his field and work. As it 
could not well be otherwise, my theme would 
be the missionary work of the American Sun- 
day-School Union, the basis of its operations, 
the necessity for its existence, its methods of 
work and the results, illustrated by facts and 
incidents in my own experience. These services 
we greatly enjoyed, and subsequently we found 
that our labors had not been in vain ; for the 
sympathy, prayers, and contributions of individ- 
uals and churches, aided us in our home and 
Sunday-school missionary labors on our re- 
spective fields. 

The winter of 1860-1, I spent in the East, 
raising funds for the support of missionaries, 
and to secure libraries to meet the demand on 
my western field. God gave me favor in the 
eyes of the people, interest was excited in my 
mission, and generous responses followed my 
appeals, so that I was greatly strengthened in 
view of enlargement and success in my work 
on my return in the spring. 



INCIDENTS OF WIDER WORK. 197 

While East, my leisure time was utilized, 
through the kindness of influential friends, in 
visiting prisons, juvenile reformatories, and 
various charitable institutions, deepening my 
interest and increasing my knowledge of the 
causes, prevention, and cure of vice, crime, and 
pauperism, information I found valuable and 
useful in my subsequent life. The authorities, 
understanding and appreciating the object of 
my visits, gave me special attention, and fre- 
quently, if it was proper, allowed me to converse 
personally with the prisoners, and to hold a 
religious service. 

A Visit to the Tombs. In New York city, 
on a Sunday morning, accompanied by a gen- 
tleman accustomed to holding religious services 
within its gloomy walls for the benefit of a 
large and heterogeneous congregation, I was 
placed in a novel and difficult position. Our 
chapel was the area enclosed by three tiers of 
cells. Our hearers stood on the corridor in 
front of their cells. A few voices united in 
singing an old, familiar hymn. During prayer 
by my friend, some of the prisoners were con- 
versing together, irreverent and indifferent. 
This disorder, in view of the duty awaiting me, 
was anything but encouraging — it was a real 
embarrassment. 

I was introduced as a missionary from the 



198 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

West, and for a few moments enjoyed the 
respectful attention of my peculiar audience ; 
but, soon, they relapsed, and became noisy and 
indifferent. The novelty of my position, and 
the disturbing element with which I was con- 
tending, so confused me that I told my friend 
that I could not continue my discourse. He 
replied : " Tell them how you were lost in the 
woods, and how a man with a torch helped you 
out." Leaving my sermon, I followed his 
advice. This new topic at once secured silence, 
and gave me their ears. One dark night in the 
woods, a man with a torch of hickory bark 
found me, and guided me home. The narrative 
secured their attention, and I utilized it to im- 
press them with their lost condition, involved 
in the darkness and guilt of sin. The light of 
the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of 
the Holy Spirit would be sufficient to lead them 
to a good, useful life, and to a heavenly home. 
To the close, their attention was unbroken, and 
some of them appeared deeply interested. 
Spending an hour in personal conversation with 
these prisoners, as we met them on the corridors 
or in their cells, we found seriousness, and, in 
some cases, anxiety in regard to their spiritual 
welfare, and a desire to become religious, and 
lead better lives. 



CHAPTER IX. 

CHAPLAIN IN THE ARMY. 

THE War Cloud. On my return home, 
early in March, 1861, with cheering pros- 
pects for our summer work, the state of public 
affairs sadly interrupted our plans. The fall of 
Fort Sumter, as the voice of thunder, reached 
our homes, our churches, and our Sunday- 
schools, and thousands of our officers, teachers 
and scholars enthusiastically responded to the 
call for volunteers to preserve the Union, and 
to save the life of the nation assailed by armed 
treason. 

Inclination and duty led me to follow these 
brave patriots, who, to serve God and country, 
hastened to the tented field, soon to realize the 
fearful realities of war. On the 26th of April, 
I made my way, with what reading matter I 
could gather, to a camp of instruction a few 
miles north of Cincinnati. The camp was 
poorly supplied with tents or barracks, but the 
weather was fine, and the volunteers cheerful 
and busy, and were drilling and extemporizing 
quarters. 

(199) 



200 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Captain Erwin, Company E, Guthrie Grays, 
of Cincinnati, an old friend and a servant of 
God, invited me to mess with him and hold a 
religious service in the evening. As the shades 
of night gathered around us, Captain Erwin 
invited his company to assemble for a religious 
meeting. They responded, and with others 
made a good congregation. Standing rever- 
ently on the green sod, several hymns were 
sung, prayer offered, and an address deliv- 
ered. The captain asked the audience if they 
desired another such a meeting. " Yes," was 
the enthusiastic response. A voice was heard, 
" Three cheers for Captain Erwin and the 
preacher." They were given with a will, and 
we retired for rest, on a bed of straw, to spend 
a sleepless night in thinking of the impending 
storm of civil war and its terrible realities. 

In the morning I returned to the city, secured 
hymn books, tracts and Testaments, and in the 
afternoon went back to the camp. When the 
troops were unemployed I mingled freely with 
them, was often greeted as the " Sunday-school 
Missionary," and the avowal that many were 
soldiers of the cross, doing service in the Sun- 
day-school army as officers, teachers, or schol- 
ars. I found that the distribution of good books 
and religious tracts was well received and 
useful. 



CHAPLAIN IN THE ARMY. 201 

Knowing that already the Young Men's 
Christian Association of New York had pub- 
lished a " Soldiers' and Sailors' Hymn Book," 
and other literature adapted for circulation in 
the camp, I wrote to the president and soon 
received 5000 hymn books, and 5000 copies of 
u Something for the Knapsack," a very useful 
manual for the soldiers, how to care for their 
souls and their bodies, to serve God and their 
country. 

Early in May, General McClellan laid out a 
camp on a beautiful and extended plain, on 
the Little Miami river, fifteen miles from Cin- 
cinnati, where barracks were provided for 
10,000 soldiers. Here I found a wide and invit- 
ing field, and all the facilities and encourage- 
ment I could desire to prosecute my religious 
work. The generous supply of literature 
received from New York was soon exhausted, 
but on application my first supply was duplica- 
ted from the same source, and we received large 
supplies from the American Bible Society, the 
American Sunday-School Union, and the Ameri- 
can Tract Societ3 r . 

In this densely populated camp, a volunteer 
chaplain, I found an open and an effectual door 
for pastoral face to face work, and for preach- 
ing to large, intelligent, and appreciative con- 
gregations, convened in the open air, to hear 



202 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

the word, and to honor God. As the ten regi- 
ments were organized, several of them had chap- 
lains appointed, who, in love and faith, under- 
took their important and arduous work, and 
were faithful in its discharge. 

A Bible Class. One Sunday afternoon, 
on going my rounds distributing books, I came 
to the barracks of the " Oberlin Rifles," Cap- 
tain Shertliff, Seventh Regiment, Colonel J. D. 
Cox, (afterwards governor of Ohio, and an 
honored citizen of Cincinnati). Here was a 
Bible class numbering forty, and half of them 
were using the Greek Testament. It was a 
novel and grand sight. I listened to the exer- 
cise with profound interest and great delight. 
These Bible scholars, skilled in the original 
text, were students from the college and theo- 
logical seminary at Oberlin, Ohio ; Christian 
warriors, rooted and grounded in the truth, 
valiant soldiers of the cross, true confessors of 
Jesus Christ on the tented field as well as in 
the quiet of their academic shades at Oberlin. 

An order from General McClellan secured 
the building of a large barrack for religious 
purposes, where we had our head-quarters and 
reading-room, and a chapel for preaching and 
Sunday-school. In June, these regiments were 
ordered to West Virginia, leaving the camp 
nearly deserted. 



CHAPLAIN IN THE ARMY. 203 

In July, two regiments were organized and 
drilled in this camp, and I was attracted there 
again. With my experience, and my supply of 
literature not quite exhausted, I resumed my 
volunteer labors, and was kindly received by 
officers and privates. On week evenings we 
had prayer-meetings, holding a Sunday-school, 
and preaching twice on Sunday. I found a 
decided and strong religious element in these 
regiments, officers and privates in large num- 
bers being the avowed disciples of Christ. 

In one of these regiments, the 39th Ohio In- 
fantry, Colonel John Groesbeck of Cincinnati, 
Company I was composed largely of religious 
men and officers, members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, and one-half of another com- 
pany were members of the Baptist church at 
Marietta, Ohio. Early in August, this regiment 
was ordered to Missouri. At our last service, I 
had a large audience in the open air, and 
delivered my message under circumstances of 
unusual solemnity and interest, commending 
them to the aid, guidance and protection of the 
God of the armies of Israel in the great conflict 
awaiting them, and exhorting them : " Be strong 
and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid 
of them : for the Lord thy God, he it is that 
doth go with thee : he will not fail thee, nor 
forsake thee."— Deut. 31 : 6. 



204 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

On leaving the camp Monday morning, the 
colonel invited me to his tent, thanked me for 
my services, and said : 

" To complete our regimental organization we 
need a chaplain. Are you a candidate ? " 

I replied that I was not. 

" We have several, but the expressed wish of 
a large number of the officers and privates is 
that you should be our chaplain." 

This was, on my part, entirely unexpected, a 
real surprise, as I was over fifty years old, and 
had never expected to enter the army. I told 
the colonel that I could not decide at once, as 
it was such a serious and important matter, but 
I would take it under careful, prayerful consid- 
eration, and report the next day. In my 
pleasant home, with my dear wife and seven 
children, we talked over the matter, and 
together bowed at the family altar, and with 
our struggling hearts we decided that father 
should accept the appointment. The next day 
I received my commission as chaplain of the 
39th Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, O. V. I., 960 
strong, under marching orders for St. Louis, 
Missouri. Then, the State of Missouri was 
trembling in the balance between secession and 
loyalty. The battle of Wilson Creek had been 
fought, a heavy loss sustained, and the brave 
patriot hero, General Lyon, had been killed. 



CHAPLAIN IN THE ARMY. 205 

The war cloud over the State was dark and 
ominous of evil times. Under these circum- 
stances we reached the distracted State, and 
encamped in OTallon's grove, near the Fair 
Grounds, three miles from St. Louis. In a few 
days barracks were built, and our camp in good 
order. 

Worship at Dress Parade. Enjoying the 
confidence and respect of my charge, and 
anxious to establish a daily religious service, 
after consultation with the officers and many of 
the privates, it was arranged that at a certain 
point in the dress parade I should read a por- 
tion of Scripture and offer a prayer. In front 
of the regiment at rest the colonel introduced 
me, and endorsed the religious service I was to 
perform. I told my parishioners in blue, that 
this would be our family worship, reminding us 
of our homes and loved ones, our duty to our 
God and country, and our personal homage to 
the Most High, supplicating his favor and 
blessing on the army and navy, our President 
and our Government, and the speedy and 
effectual suppression of the rebellion. 

Systematizing my Labors. The religious 
element in my regiment being strong and de- 
cided was greatly in my favor, and to this I owe 
largely my success and pleasure in my labors. 
We had a Sunday-school of two hundred schol- 



206 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

ars, a weekly prayer-meeting, and a Christian 
Brotherhood numbering one hundred and seven- 
ty-five : our motto " One in Christ," and one 
object " to love God and serve our country." 
For our Sunday and public service, the bugle 
sounded the church call, and my large and at- 
tentive congregation would march to the plat- 
form, and in the open air hear my message. In 
my pastoral visitation in the barracks, I was al- 
ways well received, and enjoyed religious con- 
versation. With all that was encouraging, I 
frequently encountered indifference to divine 
and eternal things, hardness of heart, and spirit- 
ual ignorance, but no opposition or disrespect. 
All my parishioners that desired a Testament 
and a hymn book were supplied. 

Our camp, well appointed in every way, was 
named " Benton Barracks," and accommodated 
about 8000 troops under instruction, mostly 
from Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Finding a 
regiment without a chaplain, after my service 
Sunday morning, I asked some of the officers if 
they wished to have a religious service. My 
offer was accepted. Several of my good singers 
accompanied me. Arriving within their lines, 
we saw quite a crowd witnessing a boxing 
match. The officer provided a wagon and said : 
" Start singing, and see if that crowd will scat- 
ter." My choir at once made a break in the 



CHAPLAIN IN THE ARMY. 207 

crowd, and many came to the wagon. Another 
hymn largely increased my audience, and after 
prayer, the boxing ceased, and nearly all the 
crowd became my hearers, giving heed to 
my teaching concerning their duty to them- 
selves and the country by leading pure, honor- 
able, and godly lives. An officer came to me, 
and said: "I approve of all you said," and 
coming into the w r agon at my request, he made 
a most effective address, endorsing with empha- 
sis the words I had spoken. Thus, in a great 
military encampment, courage and prudence 
will find work for the Master, and aid and 
sympathy when least expected. 

A Call to Head-quarters. In obedience 
to an order from General S. R. Curtis, I report- 
ed at once. Ignorant of the object of my visit, 
I felt quite concerned. General Curtis, (after- 
wards the hero of Pea Ridge) received me very 
cordially, and inquired if I was the Sunday- 
school missionary he had met years ago in Ohio. 
" Well sir, I am glad to see you, and I have a 
favor to ask of you. Last Sunday night I sat 
outside and distinctly heard some one preach- 
ing to a crowd of soldiers in the artillery camp, 
quite a distance from here. I inquired who it 
was, and was informed that it was the chap- 
lain of the 39th Ohio. Next Thursday is ap- 



208 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

pointed by President Lincoln as a day of humil- 
iation and prayer in behalf of our country in 
the time of our need. I wish you to preach in 
the amphitheater on the fair grounds, and you 
will have a great audience, as I shall issue a 
special order that all the troops attend." 

I accepted the invitation, and prepared a ser- 
mon on these words of Holy Writ : " If my 
people, which are called by my name, shall hum- 
ble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and 
turn from their wicked ways ; then will I hear 
from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will 
heal their land." 2 Chronicles, 7 : 14. 

After showing that we are a people, a nation 
whose God is the Lord, I considered the 
text as revealing the conditions of divine de- 
liverance in times of national perils, enumera- 
ting the wicked ways from which we must turn 
— slavery, intemperance, Sabbath desecration, 
and forgetfulness of God and his law — and to 
do this by humble confession, penitence and 
prayer. Then, God will forgive our sins, and 
heal our land, our army will be victorious, the 
Union preserved, and the Government sustain- 
ed. Chaplain Slander, of an Illinois regiment, 
offered a fervent prayer, and we closed our ser- 
vice, the vast assembly uniting in the follow- 
ing hymn, to the tune of " Old Hundred : " 



CHAPLAIN" IN THE ARMY. 209 

" O Lord of Hosts Almighty King, 

Behold the sacrifice we bring : 
To every arm thy strength impart, 

Thy Spirit shed through every heart. 
u Wake in our breasts the living fire, 

The holy faith that warmed our sires : 
Thy hand hath made our nation free ; 

To die for her is serving Thee. 
" Be Thou a pillared flame to show 

The midnight snare, and silent foe : 
And, when the battle thunders loud, 

Still guide us in its moving cloud. 
" God of all nations, Sovereign Lord, 

In thy dread name we draw the sword, 
We lift the starry flag on high, 

That fills with light our stormy sky. 
"From treason's rent, from murder's stain 

Guard Thou its folds till peace shall reign , 
Till fort and field, till shore and sea 

Join one loud anthem : Praise to Thee." 

This solemn occasion, standing in such a pres- 
ence, our national life imperilled, our country in 
the throes of a gigantic rebellion, and the hor- 
rors of war staring us in the face, made the de- 
livery of my discourse the most trying and im- 
portant effort in my life and experience. 

Ordered to Northern Missouri. After 
five weeks of preparation for active service, 
nine companies of our regiment were ordered 
to guard the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad, 
and to protect the Union people in that part of 
the State. One company was left with the 

14 



210 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

regimental property, and I was to remain and 
look after our sick soldiers in the hospitals, at 
St. Louis. I found thirty of them in three 
different hospitals, and ministered to them 
daily. Two brothers named Barrows, from 
Athens county, Ohio, died. Both were the 
friends and followers of Jesus, resigned, and 
prepared to depart. In two weeks the sur- 
viving patients were able to return to our 
camp, and in a few days we joined the regiment, 
now divided into two battalions, one at Macon 
City, and the other at Kansas City, protecting 
the bridges, capturing bushwhackers, and sup- 
pressing rebellion. This breaking up of the 
regiment was a great hindrance in my labor, 
but it was necessary to suppress disloyalty, and 
to secure peace and order in Northern Missouri. 

In the early days of December we were 
ordered to rendezvous at St. Joseph, Missouri, 
where we united with a force of 1500 men under 
General Ben Prentiss. Thence we marched to 
Lexington, and passed through a fine country, 
sadly desolated and almost depopulated. The 
Union people had to flee, and as the Secession- 
ists were in the rebel army, we met but few 
men, only women and children, none of whom 
suffered any harm, but received good at our 
hands. 

Not expecting such a march, our officers were 



CHAPLAIN IN THE ARMY. 211 

not supplied with horses, except the colonel and 
surgeon. For several days, the weather being 
pleasant, and the roads good, I enjoyed soldier- 
ing on foot with my comrades, and failed not 
to hold a religious service when we halted for 
the day and had our evening mess. The sol- 
diers would attend in large numbers, and spend 
a half hour in singing, prayer, and an address. 
As we had no tents, and only one baggage 
wagon for transporting our baggage, we lay 
out in the open air, a blanket our bed and bed- 
ding, and suffered no harm. 

The Chaplain gets a Horse. One morn- 
ing, as we were leaving camp, a Missouri home 
guard and scout, leading a horse, came to me 
and said : " Chaplain, it's too hard on a preacher 
to foot it all day, and hold meeting at night. I 
have a horse that you can have." 

The horse looked as if he had seen service, 
without a bridle, and a rough old saddle, but I 
thanked the soldier for his kind offer, and 
inquired how he could spare his horse, as he was 
a scout. 

" Well, Chaplain, this old horse belongs to 
the United States. I sold him to the Govern- 
ment and got my pay." 

44 If you let me have him, what will you do 
for a horse ? " 

"Oh, I have a much better one." 



212 THE ST0BY OF MY LIFE. 

" Did you jay hawk him ? " 

" No, not exactly. A c Secesh' was taken 
trying to reach the rebel army under Price. I 
took care of his horse, and he was put under 
guard. Now, Chaplain, don't stand on cere- 
mony, but take the horse. " 

" What will I do for a bridle ? " 

" Well, I'll give you a head stall, and a piece 
of that rope around your blanket will make a 
rein." 

Thus equipped, as I was about to mount my 
steed, an officer congratulated me on my good 
fortune, but said, after he had examined the 
saddle : 

" Chaplain, you must turn this saddle about," 
and he adjusted it to his notion. I mounted, 
but found a very uncomfortable seat, and had 
to dismount and restore the saddle as my friend 
who had furnished the horse had arranged it. 
Then it was all right. During the forenoon, as 
I rode along, the soldiers cheered me on my 
elevation, and I enjoyed the improvement in my 
style of marching. 

At noon our quarter-master, riding a fine 
horse well equipped, said : 

" Chaplain, I am glad to see you on horse- 
back, but I want your horse. Our baggage 
wagon is fast in a mud hole, and this horse that 



CHAPLAIN IN THE ARMY. 213 

I took from a red-hot, abusive ■ Seeesh,' won't 
pull a pound, and yours will." 

So the exchange was made, greatly to my 
advantage. I inquired in the evening how 
matters stood between the quartermaster and 
the owner of the horse. He replied : 

" As in all cases, when I take property for 
the use of the army, I give a voucher, and 
the value of the property, and if the owner 
can prove that he is a Union man, and not an 
abettor of secession, he will get his pay." 

When we ended our march I delivered the 
horse to our obliging quartermaster, and thanked 
the Missouri scout for his kindness. 

Winter Quarters. One battalion was 
ordered to Sedalia, and the other to Palmyra, 
Missouri, where we remained from January 1st 
to March 1st, when we were ordered to St. 
Louis, en-route south. In Palmyra, with 450 
men and officers, and the 3rd Missouri Infantry, 
with a company of Home Guards, I enjoyed 
special facilities for my work. A large church 
building was at my disposal, and I had a good 
supply of literature. A deserted dwelling was 
allotted to me, the surgeon and hospital stew- 
ard, both earnest Christian men, excellent com- 
panions. The soldiers were quartered in vacant 
business houses. Our religious services were 
held regularly, well attended, and of consider- 



214 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

able interest. Backsliders were reclaimed and 
several were converted. 

I received from the East 300 volumes of 
choice books. This was my circulating library, 
and it was well used. A lady in Buffalo, New 
York, sent me a large supply of stationery and 
postage stamps " to encourage your soldiers to 
write home." This was a thoughtful and 
appreciated gift, and in two months the occa- 
sion of writing over four hundred letters. The 
Missouri troops and Home Guards shared these 
benefactions, and were very thankful. Our 
general hospital had an average of forty 
patients daily, well cared for. My gospel min- 
istrations these sufferers were delighted to 
enjoy. Several deaths occurred, and we always 
gave the brave men a Christian burial, accom- 
panied with military honors. 

A Military Commission over which Colonel 
Groesbeck presided, was held at Palmyra, 
Missouri, for the trial of bridge burners, bush- 
whackers, murderers and violators of United 
States laws. Some were acquitted, and dis- 
charged under heavy bonds to keep the peace. 
Thirteen were sent to St. Louis as prisoners of 
war, and eight sentenced to be shot. 

In regard to the latter I received the follow- 
ing official communication from General Pren- 
tiss, commanding the post. 



CHAPLAIN IN THE ARMY. 215 

" Chaplain Chidlaw, 39th O. V. I. Sir.— The following 
eight prisoners," (giving their names and place of confine- 
ment) " have been sentenced to be shot. Your kind offices 
are invited in their behalf." 

I found them in the guard-house occupying 
separate cells, and made their personal acquaint- 
ance, and conversed freely with those that were 
interested in religion. Six of them were J^oung 
men, hardened and reckless ; the other two pro- 
fessed to be religious, and to repent of their 
sins, trusting in Jesus Christ. As the day of 
doom was approaching, four of the six became 
concerned about the future life, and gave heed 
to my instructions, and asked for prayer in their 
behalf. The day before they were to be shot, 
a telegram from the War Department announced 
that President Lincoln had commuted their 
sentence to life imprisonment in the Illinois 
State Prison at Alton. The prisoners received 
this intelligence with quiet joy, and sincere 
thanks to the President for his clemency. 

Sickness. In the midst of my labors, cheer- 
ed and encouraged by evidences of social and 
religious improvement among the soldiers, my 
health gave way, my appetite failed, and I 
suffered great prostration. For a week I was 
confined to my quarters, under treatment, and 
kindly nursed. Just as I was so far recovered 
as to leave my quarters, the regiment was 
ordered to St. Louis, en route for the south. 



216 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

The order served as a stimulant, and I was able 
to undertake the journey. Arriving at the 
city, we were ordered to Camp Benton, our old 
encampment, but my condition was such that 
our surgeon thought that I would do well to go 
to a hotel. The colonel gave me permission, 
and detailed a soldier to go with me. 

At, Home. I remained in the hotel several 
days, gradually improving. The regiment left 
for New Madrid, but I was advised not to leave, 
the surgeon so directing. Colonel Groesbeck 
gave me a furlough for forty days, and General 
Halleck a pass to leave the city; and, on a mat- 
ress in the baggage car on the Ohio and Miss- 
issippi railroad, I reached North Bend, three 
miles from my home. Not being expected, as I 
had not informed my family of my illness, hop- 
ing soon to recover, and not wishing to alarm 
them, no one met me there ; but I secured a 
farm wagon, and reached my loved ones none 
the worse for my journey. 

Under medical treatment and good nursing 
at home my health gradually improved, so that 
I could go to Cincinnati and have a consulta- 
tion with experienced surgeons. I was advised 
to apply for a renewal of my furlough, which 
was granted. Suffering relapses and no gain of 
strength, I was led, with great reluctance, to 
tender my resignation as chaplain, assigning 



CHAPLAIN IN THE ARMY. 217 

the reason. After accepting my resignation, 
the following communication was sent to me : 

" Head-quarters 39th O. V. I. ] 

Camp, near Corinth Miss. > 

May 14, 1862. J 

"On the acceptance of the resignation of Rev. B. W. 
Chidlaw, Chaplain 39th O. V. I., a committee was appointed 
to draft a resolution expressing the feelings of the officers, 
and reported as follows : 

H ' Resolved, That we have learned with deep regret, that 
Mr. Chidlaw has been compelled, from ill-health, to resign 
the office of chaplain of this regiment; that, while in defer- 
ence to his wishes we accept the resignation, it is with 
unfeigned regret that we part with one who has always 
been faithful in his duties, zealous for the good of the regi- 
ment, kind to the sick, useful in all his ministrations, and 
universally respected and beloved as an officer, a gentleman, 
and a Christian patriot.' 

11 This resolution was unanimously adopted. 

"A. W. Gilbert, 

Lieut. Col. Commanding. " 

Thus, in the providence of God, in less than 
a year of service for God and country, as 
preacher and pastor in that heroic regiment, my 
labors terminated. That service was a great 
privilege, enriching my own religious life, broad- 
ening my ideas of life, its duties and oppor- 
tunities, and a revelation of the superlative 
value of Christianity in its blessings amid the 
horrors of war. 

Home from the War. On July 6, 1865, hearing 
that my grand old regiment, at least the frag- 
ments that remained after the casualties of the 
hard fought battles in which they had been en- 



218 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

gaged and the loss of life in hospitals, was en- 
camped near Louisville, Kentucky, to be mus- 
tered out, I determined to visit them. The next 
day I reached their camp, and met a royal re- 
ception, officers and privates greeting the old 
chaplain with a welcome that was enthusiastic 
and delightful. 

After mess with the colonel and other offi- 
cers, I was invited to officiate as of old at dress 
parade. Instead of nearly a thousand men in 
line, they numbered scarcely four hundred bat- 
tle-scarred heroes. In the evening, a large crowd 
of the 39th and 27th regiments assembled in 
front of head-quarters, and I addressed them on 
the past, and the present bright prospects of our 
country in whose behalf they had endured hard- 
ship as good soldiers and patriotic citizens. At 
the close, their hearty cheers made the welkin 
ring. But, as I heard those joyous voices, loud 
and clear, my heart was filled with emotions of 
sorrow and sadness at the thought that more 
than half of the volunteers of 1861 were number- 
ed with the dead, or suffering from disabilities 
incident to the life of a soldier in active ser- 
vice. Such are the evils and woes of war, from 
which may God in mercy ever deliver our now 
great and prosperous nation, whose existence 
these sacrificed lives helped to save ! 

Called to the East. When sufficiently re- 



CHAPLAIN IN THE ARMY. 219 

covered, I accepted an invitation from the 
American Sunday-School Union to visit some of 
the eastern cities in its behalf. My old friends 
received me with great cordiality, heard my 
plea, and responded with a cheerful and gener- 
ous liberality. During six weeks, I preached 
four times, made thirty -two Sunday-school ad- 
dresses, and told my experience in the camps 
and hospitals thirteen times. 

At the Depository of the society in Philadel- 
phia, I saw a publication with a sweet and signi- 
ficant title, " The Silent Comforter " and felt at 
once that it was just the thing to hang up in the 
hospital wards, that the sufferers might read 
God's living messages of consolation and grace 
as they lay on their cots or sat on their camp 
stools. Friends provided the means, and two 
hundred copies of the " Silent Comforter " were 
sent to the United States hospitals at the front 
and in the rear. 

An incident will illustrate the value of such 
a publication, and its fitness to bring cheer and 
relief to the sick and dying soldiers in the hos- 
pital. In Tennessee, in 1863, in a hospital, I 
met one of my old soldiers, who referring to the 
" Silent Comforter " hanging on the wall, said : 
" Chaplain, when I was sick in an old tobacco 
warehouse, the only thing to occupy my mind 
was counting the bricks in the unplastered wall. 



220 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Here I can feast my eyes as I look on the 4 Si- 
lent Comforter,' reading the precious promises 
of God that fill my soul with peace, and this 
helps me to get well." 

During the war, thousands of the " Silent 
Comforter," and the " Green Pastures " found 
their way into our hospitals, instructing and 
consoling our brave sufferers, shedding light, 
joy, and peace on troubled and anxious hearts, 
languishing and burdened. A scriptural text 
is food for the soul, whether in a palace or a 
hospital. Sick or well, it is healing and refresh- 
ing, light in the hour of darkness, and strength 
to fainting souls. 



CHAPTER X. 

SANITARY AND CHRISTIAN COMMISSION WORK. 

THE Sanitary Commission. My sojourn in 
the East improved my health, and I re- 
turned home with increased strength and vig- 
or. Early in November, 1862, the United 
States Sanitary Commission of Cincinnati re- 
ceived information that its humane aid was 
greatly needed to relieve the sufferings of some 
2000 victims of the battle of Perryville, Union 
and Confederate sick and wounded soldiers. I 
was invited by the commission to go in a vol- 
unteer mission in charge of supplies for the 
hospitals at Lebanon and Perryville. I accept- 
ed the invitation, and left the next day on a 
steamboat for Louisville, with twenty-eight 
large boxes, several packages and two barrels, 
well filled with sanitary goods and supplies for 
the hospitals, and $200 for expenses and to 
purchase any additional supplies that might be 
needed. 

After some delay in loading the car at Louis- 
ville with my goods, I reached Lebanon the 
next day, and was kindly received by Surgeon 

(221) 



222 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

McDumont, medical director. A store-room 
was provided for the goods, and two men 
were detailed to aid me in the distribution of 
these supplies. Here I found twelve wards — 
churches, school-houses, stores and large private 
dwellings — used for hospitals. After opening 
the boxes and arranging their contents, woolen 
and cotton underclothes, shirts, socks, towels, 
handkerchiefs, dried and canned fruit, jellies, 
blackberry wine, etc., I invited a surgeon to 
examine them and instruct me how best to con- 
nect the demand and supply. My first visit 
was to a large church building, where I found 
seventy patients, on cots, or straw-beds on the 
floor. The sight of these sufferers was very 
depressing to me, but the hope of cheering and 
aiding them came to my relief, and I entered 
upon the work of inspection. Some were not 
in need of the good things at our disposal, 
others needed our ministry in the gospel of 
clean clothes, and others would be benefited by 
our delicacies. Noting their wants and the 
number of their bed, we would return to our 
store-room, select the articles and deliver them. 
After my good Samaritan labors, I would hold a 
religious service, which the sufferers appeared 
to enjoy. 

After spending two busy days supplying 
these hospitals, we packed the goods left and in 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 223 

two ambulances we were taken eighteen miles 
to Perryville. Here Dr. Pierson provided the 
facilities needed for the prosecution of our 
mission. This town was near the battle-field, 
and the severely wounded were here, in ten wards 
— churches, court-house, stores and dwelling 
houses — very much crowded, poorly furnished, 
and in need of the supplies we still had on 
hand. Following the same method of distribu- 
tion, our supplies were quite inadequate to meet 
the pressing wants of these brave sufferers ; 
but, in our emergency, the Cleveland society 
sent a large supply of goods and delicacies, 
filling our hearts, so that we continued our 
visitation and distribution with energy and 
pleasure. 

The Antioch Meeting-house. A hewed log 
building near the battle-field, had fifty severely 
wounded men, most of them on straw-beds, and 
knapsacks for pillows. The goods we brought 
and the delicacies were not sufficient to meet 
the wants of these brave sufferers. The under- 
clothing and shirts, the towels and handkerchiefs 
were in great demand, and thankfully received. 
The jellies, fruits, and blackberry wine, we 
gave to those who needed them the most, as 
directed by the surgeon. Having exhausted 
our stock, we promised to send a supply from 



224 



THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 



Perryville, and that all should share these home 
gifts for their cheer and healing. 

Here I found several of these men brethren 
in Christ, and while partakers of suffering, 
they were enjoying the peace of God and the 
hope of salvation. I read the 23d Psalm and 
prayed, asking God to grant each sufferer the 
grace he needed, and a speedy restoration. A 
young soldier whose leg had been amputated 
and who had received of our goods, said : 

" These clean clothes make me feel good," 
and holding in his hand a nice white pocket 
handkerchief, added: "This will be a great 
improvement on that dirty rag I have been 
using so long." 

On my return to Perryville, the goods need- 
ed for Antioch were packed and forwarded at 
once. 

United in Death. On our return from Antioch 
chapel, deeply impressed with what we had 
witnessed within its log walls, we passed over 
the battle-field where the carnage had been very 
great ; where a few days before, hundreds of 
precious lives were offered on the altar of 
patriotism, and their bodies buried beneath its 
blood-crimsoned soil, and saw a trench, a long 
line of graves marked with head boards. Two 
of these were united by a piece of dove-colored 
ammunition box, with this inscription in fair and 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 225 

legible letters : " Blessed are the pure in heart; 
for they shall see God." Evidently a tribute to 
fallen comrades, an expression of their char- 
acter and future destiny, a perishable monu- 
ment to the memory of the pure in heart, who 
will be held in everlasting remembrance. This 
simple memorial enchained my eyes, and moved 
my soul. Save the inscription, all was profound 
mystery, but the record told of brotherly 
confidence and love, and of kindred minds in 
the service of God separated now, but destined 
to a glorious and eternal reunion. 

"I Want to be Mustered In." On the 
streets of Perryville as I was on my visitation 
to the hospitals, a soldier accosted me : 

" A fellow in the ball-room of the tavern 
(now a ward of Hospital No. 6), wants to see 
you." 

I found him on a bed of straw we had pro- 
vided for him the day before, when we supplied 
him with clean underclothing. He had been 
severely wounded, was very weak, but cheerful 
and uncomplaining. I inquired how he felt. 

" Oh, Chaplain, I feel much better, and more 
comfortable since you fixed me so nicely yes- 
terday ; but, after your talk about our duty to 
God, I have been in trouble of mind. I have 
for years loved Jesus Christ, and trusted in him 
for my salvation, but I have never confessed 

15 



226 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

him before men, or united with the church. 
Now, I want you to muster me in, to baptize 
me and take me into the church." 

I was delighted with his statement and pur- 
pose, and so expressed myself to him and his 
twelve companions in suffering, as with eager 
interest they had heard his confession. I said 
to him : " When you are so far recovered that 
you can go home, you will get a furlough, and 
it will be a very proper thing for you to confess 
Christ and unite with his church, and take your 
place in the ranks, a true and faithful soldier of 
the cross." 

" As soon as I am able, I want to join my 
regiment, and help put down the' rebellion. 
And now, Chaplain, I want you to baptize me, 
and muster me into the army of the Lord, that 
I may fight the fight of faith. I want to live 
and die a Christian." 

" What church do you wish to join ? " 

"I just want to join the church of Jesus 
Christ, who died for my sins, and is my Sav- 
iour." 

I asked him about his knowledge and experi- 
ence in religious things. 

He said : " I always went to Sunday-school, 
read the Bible, and attended preaching, and 
often felt that I ought to join the church." 

I remembered an apostolical precedent, and 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 227 

followed it (Acts 8 : 37). I asked a nurse, an in- 
terested spectator, if he would bring some water. 
He complied, and brought water in a dingy tin 
dish. I addressed the new recruit, helpless on 
his straw-bed, to be true and faithful in his re- 
ligious life, loyal to his new commander, assur- 
ed of rations and pay, grace according to his 
day, and a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 
The nurse holding the dish, we kneeled at his 
side, and I baptized him with water, in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost, and gave him the right hand of 
fellowship, welcoming a poor sinner saved by 
grace into the Church of Jesus Christ. 

I was moved to exhort his comrades to follow 
his example, " giving themselves first to the 
Lord, then to his people according to his will." 
Several of them were in tears, evidently im- 
pressed. 

As I was passing out, a soldier prostrate on 
the floor, having suffered the loss of an arm, 
calling me to his side, said : " I am a deserter. 
Years ago in Indiana I professed religion, and 
was a church member, but I broke ranks and 
deserted into the camp of the enemy, and lived 
a wicked life. I did wrong, and I feel it. I 
believe in the Son of God, and trust in him for 
salvation. Will you muster me in?" 

I was deeply impressed with the seriousness 



228 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

and sincerity of this deserter. On his confes- 
sion and application, I gave him the right hand 
of Christian fellowship, and mustered him into 
the sacramental host, a soldier for life under the 
blood-stained banner of the cross, commending 
him, and all that love Christ, to the abounding 
grace of God " that is able to keep you from 
falling, and to present you faultless before the 
presence of his glory with exceeding joy." 
Two others in this group of sufferers avowed 
themselves the followers of the Good Shepherd, 
and were enjoying the "green pastures" and 
the " still waters," where he ever leads those 
that know his voice, and follow him. 

This upper chamber, where formerly the 
lovers of mirth and folly had their dances, now 
a hospital ward with thirteen brave sufferers 
on its oaken floor, by reason of the presence of 
God became a Bethel ; and, to some of us, as the 
gate of heaven. The experience of this hour 
in a military hospital, amid the dire effects of 
war, will never be obliterated from memory. 

Trafficking. On the streets of Perryville 
I saw a huckster's wagon loaded with coun- 
try produce. Examining the load, I found 
chickens, eggs, butter, fruit and vegetables, of- 
fered at fair prices. Having unexpended funds 
entrusted to me to aid in my relief work among 
the soldiers sick and wounded, I determined to 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 229 

invest. A bargain was concluded and the goods 
delivered in our store-room, to be distributed 
where most needed. With my two helpers, we 
soon made the distribution as fair and equal as 
possible. Chickens for soup, fresh eggs and 
butter, onions and apples, just the articles the 
sufferers would relish and enjoy, were placed in 
the hands of the cooks and prepared for the 
guests of the Cincinnati Sanitary Commission, 
at whose expense they (brave and noble suffer- 
ers) participated in these good things, that sup- 
plemented the usual hospital supplies, and aid- 
ed the healing of the wounded and the restora- 
tion of the sick. 

My supplies exhausted, and my mission 
ended, I returned to Cincinnati and rendered an 
account of my stewardship. The commission 
approved of my work, and in view of informa- 
tion of the suffering condition of our sick and 
wounded soldiers at Bowling Green, Kentucky, 
and at Nashville, Tennessee, I was requested to 
volunteer my services in visiting those places 
and in doing what I could to relieve the sufferers. 

After spending two days at home with my 
family, with H. B. Cist, Esq., a worthy friend 
and co-laborer in the work of relief, and with 
a good supply of sanitary stores, we left for 
Bowling Green. The medical director, in full 
sympathy with our mission, afforded us every 



230 THE STOKY OF MY LIFE. 

facility to gain information and afford relief. 
We found seventeen hospitals, the largest build- 
ings in the town, occupied by 2561 sick and 
wounded men, besides regimental hospitals in 
the camps with 500 additional sufferers. We 
found the hospitals well furnished, and the 
government supplies abundant, so that supple- 
mented by our " home comforts " the condition 
of affairs was quite satisfactory. A large por- 
tion of these patients belonged to Ohio and 
Indiana regiments, and as I passed through the 
hospitals I was frequently recognized as the 
Sunday-school missionary they had seen and 
heard at home. This salutation opened the way 
for a pleasant interview, and, if needed, the 
bestowment of some of our supplies. In these 
labors I felt the need of a religious literature 
for distributions, and I was often asked " for 
something to read." 

Thanksgiving Day occurring while we were 
here in the midst of the sad and inevitable results 
of war we found a feeling of interest among the 
soldiers in the hospitals and camps in regard to 
its observance. The forenoon I spent among 
the sick and wounded, and held Thanksgiving 
service in seven wards, singing hymns, offering 
prayer and making short addresses on the good- 
ness of God. We found, though Our surround- 
ings were depressing, abundant reasons to be 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 231 

thankful to the Giver of all our blessings. My 
cheerful tone of address appeared to meet the 
condition of my hearers, and to secure their 
interest and approval. 

An invitation was sent to the troops encamp- 
ed around the town to attend an afternoon ser- 
vice in the open air. A large number responded, 
and I preached on the duty and the reasonable- 
ness of observing a day of Thanksgiving. My 
congregation, in size, interest and attention, 
would compare favorably with any assembly 
convened in any house of worship in our broad 
land. 

On to Nashville. The advance of the 
Union army had caused the evacuation of the 
city by the Confederates. Here we met the 
usual reception and appreciation of our mission 
by the militaiy and medical authorities. Though 
many of our sick and wounded had been sent 
north, we found in Nashville fourteen hospitals 
with 3000 patients, and in a better condition 
than we expected, yet the " home gifts " sent 
by the Sanitary Commission were very accept- 
able and useful. 

Hospitality. The hotel where I boarded 
afforded very inferior accomodations both at 
the table and in the bed-room. As I was walk- 
ing to a hospital, a familiar voice hailed me, 
" Brother Chidlaw." It was Captain Landis, 



232 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

quartermaster of the 69th O. V. I. He invited 
me to make his quarters my home, and to hold 
religious services in his camp, a mile from the 
city. I found camp fare better than the hotel, 
and in the midst of 900 Ohio soldiers I felt 
quite at home, and found plenty of work. The 
captain furnished me a horse and a guide on 
Sunday morning, that I might visit as many as 
possible of the fourteen hospitals before noon. 
My guide was a warm-hearted Christian and a 
good singer, a Sunday-school teacher at home 
and a good helper in my services. In eight 
hospitals we found openings to tell of the sym- 
pathy of Jesus and his power to save. In one 
we found two men, who had died during the 
night, ready for burial. The steward invited 
us to hold a funeral service. Here, in the midst 
of seventy comrades, some of them drawing 
near the end of life, I preached Jesus and the 
resurrection— words of hope and comfort. As 
we were leaving, several of our hearers extend- 
ed to me their emaciated hands, and, with moist- 
ened eye and tremulous voice, told of their 
faith and trust in the sinner's Friend. Others 
expressed their deep concern about their souls, 
anxious to be saved. One, evidently at the 
brink, soon to die, but in fear and doubt, asked 
for prayer in his behalf. At a moment like this, 
when a dying man, yearning for pardon and 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 233 

peace, is entering the portals of eternity, and 
passing down the dark valley, when the lights 
of earth are going out, how precious are the 
promises of God, and the outstretched arms of 
an Almighty Saviour to receive the departing 
spirit entering its eternal home ! 

A Large Audience. The afternoon was pleas- 
ant, and Captain Landis having invited other 
regiments to participate with his own in our re- 
ligious worship, we had a very large audience of 
officers and privates. This great multitude sur- 
rounded my wagon pulpit. Our praise service, 
under a good leader, using the old familiar hymns 
" Am I a Soldier of the Cross," and " A Charge 
to Keep I Have," were rendered with the spirit 
and the understanding. Such an introduc- 
tion was very helpful, inspiring devotion, 
and preparing us to deliver and to hear the 
sermon. 

This delightful day closed with a prayer and 
praise-meeting in the open air with a large at- 
tendance. The brethren that led in prayer, or 
gave their testimony, enjoyed freedom, the light 
of God's countenance was upon us, and, it was, 
indeed, good to be there. 

In this visitation, I had but a limited supply 
of literature for distribution, and it was a 
serious drawback on my labors, for the soldiers 
greatly needed, and always appreciated any 



234 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

reading matter we could furnish. In their 
loneliness, and with nothing to do, a book or a 
paper would break the monotony of confine- 
ment in the hospital, arouse their stagnant 
minds, impart useful knowledge, and aid in their 
recovery. 

We found in the Army of the Cumberland, 
both in camp and hospital, a wide and inviting 
field for the operation of the United States Sani- 
tary Commission in providing for the physical 
necessities of the sick and wounded. This 
agency was an important connection between 
the front and the rear, the home and the hospi- 
tal, a reinforcement of aid and sympathy that 
cheered and relieved the brave sufferers. 

As far as our time and stores were concerned 
we had completed our mission at Nashville, but 
the work of systematic and effective relief was 
only begun. We assured the surgeons and chap- 
lains we met that the necessities of the suffer- 
ers should be made known, and beyond a doubt 
the heart and resources of the loyal North 
would speedily and generously respond. 

Called to Philadelphia. Returning to 
Cincinnati, the report of our labors presented 
to the commission was approved and our fidel- 
ity commended. A few days were spent at home, 
visiting and enjoying the society of loved ones. 
After what I had seen in the pathway of armies, 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 235 

home, with its security, quiet, plenty and cheer, 
had never before appeared such a delight and 
such a blessing. In response to a call from the 
American Sunday-School Union, I went to Phila- 
delphia for consultation in regard to our mission- 
ary operations, seriously interrupted by the war. 
I was requested to remain for two months, to pre- 
sent its claims, and to secure means to sustain its 
missionary work. For January, 1863, it was 
arranged that I should labor in the city of New 
York and several of the cities in the interior. 
February was spent in New England. My con- 
gregations were generally large, and responsive 
to my appeals. While presenting the moral and 
spiritual needs of our ignorant, destitute, and 
neglected juvenile population for an educa- 
tion of the intellect and the heart so as to 
know and serve God, I did not forget the con- 
dition and claims of our brave soldiers at the 
front. 

During this journey, occupying nearly three 
months, I preached fifteen times, made sixty- 
two Sunday-school and patriotic addresses, and 
travelled 4200 miles at an expense of $80. In- 
fluential friends, interested in my mission, se- 
cured the favor of railroad authorities, and I 
very seldom had hotel bills, since genial private 
hospitality awaited me. These deeds of kind- 
ness added to my comfort while separated from 



236 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

loved ones at home. In my darkest days and 
most trying circumstances I never lost sight of, 
or lost confidence in the motto of the Father of 
the faithful, "Jehovah-jireh." 

Returning home, I found invitations to at- 
tend a state Sunday-school convention and sev- 
eral county meetings for the advancement of 
the good cause, which needed reviving and 
strengthening. Camp Dennison, the scene of 
my first labors in behalf of the soldiers, was now 
a general hospital, with 1200 patients. Here I 
found a chaplain and volunteer helpers, faith- 
fully ministering to the physical and spiritual 
wants of these suffering men. A hospital at 
home, was, in its appointments, very different 
from those at the front. No wonder that our 
disabled soldiers were sent to the North ! By re- 
quest, near the last of March, I went to St. 
Louis to aid in establishing an auxiliary to the 
United States Christian Commission, an agency 
combining the good Samaritan and the true 
evangelist in labors of love in the army. Two 
large and enthusiastic meetings were held, funds 
raised, and an auxiliary organized which became 
an important and efficient center for the opera- 
tions of the commission. 

A Voyage down the Mississippi. Again, 
I was invited by the Cincinnati branch of the 
United States Sanitary Commission to take 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 237 

charge of a large quantity of sanitary goods for 
Ohio and Indiana regiments in General Grant's 
army near Vicksburg. The stern wheel steamer 
"Dunlieth," Captain Wilson, was chartered. 
Our cargo, oyer 400 boxes and barrels, being on 
board, April 14th we left port. I had secured 
a good supply of religious literature from the 
United States Christian Commission at Phila- 
delphia for distribution in camps and hospitals. 
We had on board Rev. A. R. Howbert, a Luth- 
eran minister sent by Governor Todd to look 
after the interest of Ohio troops, Mr. Hofner, 
an aged and highly esteemed friend of soldiers, 
and other gentlemen volunteering to aid us in 
our work. We had daily religious worship on 
board, and our social intercourse was very pleas- 
ant. Examining the invoice, we found that 
our cargo embraced just what the soldiers, sick 
or well, needed and would appreciate — home de- 
licacies, goods, and barrels of onions, sour-kraut 
and potatoes. 

Our first landing was at Cairo, Illinois, where 
a large addition was made to our cargo by the 
Illinois United States Sanitary Commission, 
destined for their soldiers in General Grant's 
army, and our company was increased by the 
gentlemen in charge of these supplies. On 
shore we found the Fourteenth Illinois regiment 
with an active, faithful chaplain. I gave him 



238 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

some books and papers, which he was glad to 
receive for the use of his men. On board a 
United States receiving ship, I found 250 sail- 
ors, and gave them words of cheer and a supply 
of hymn books. In the hospital on the upper 
deck, I found ten patients, conversed with them, 
offered a prayer, and suspended a " Silent Com- 
forter " which attracted their attention and 
afforded them pleasure. 

Meeting Gun-boats. I invited the surgeons to 
visit our boat and inform us of sanitary affairs. 
I showed our invoice, each box and barrel la- 
beled with their contents. These things were 
for general distribution. Observing our barrels 
with vegetables, they said : 

" These are the very things we need. We 
have many cases of scurvy under treatment." 

The requisition we gladly honored, and the 
goods selected were soon on board the boats 
where they were so much needed. Receiving 
three hearty cheers from the boats, we continued 
our voyage to Memphis. Here we delivered 
a large quantity of our freight in charge of 
United States officers, to be forwarded to their 
destination to the regiments encamped and in 
connection with Memphis as a base of supplies. 

An Old Fellow- Chaplain. Rev. John Eaton, 
of the 27th O. V. L, late United States com- 
missioner of education, and now the President 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 239 

of Marietta college, Ohio, was at Memphis, placed 
by General Grant in charge of 20,000 colored 
people, contraband in war, fugitive slaves within 
our lines. This was a great and difficult un- 
dertaking, and Chaplain Eaton with his God- 
given endowments of head, hand and heart, was 
the man to meet the emergency. He located 
the impoverished and helpless mass in camps, 
furnished them as far as possible with employ- 
ment and provided teachers to instruct them in 
morality and religion, teach them to read and 
how to earn an honest living. 

Visiting the hospitals with 1200 patients, we 
were delighted to find their sanitary condition 
excellent, with fair supplies of gifts from home, 
stationery, delicacies and literature. I suspend- 
ed several " Silent Comforters " that attracted 
much attention and at once secured readers. 

A Contraband Camp. As we laid up for 
the Sabbath, I accepted an offer to visit the 
camp a few miles below the city, accompanied 
by Chaplain Eaton. On our way we passed in 
a lovely grove the camp of a cavalry regiment. 
A bluecoat hailed me, " Why, Mr. Chidlaw, is 
this you ? I'm very glad to see you. Wont 
you preach for us ? " 

I did not recognize the soldier, and inquired 
who he was. 



240 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

" Why, I am Ike McLean, that used to work 
for your brother-in-law." 

I then remembered him, and was quite as- 
tonished that he should ask me to preach — a 
man, who, at home, never went to church, nor 
was in any way interested in religion. He 
took us to head-quarters, and Colonel Heath, of 
the 5th Ohio Cavalry, gave us a cordial welcome 
and invited me to preach. The church call was 
sounded, a large audience responded, and from 
a baggage wagon I delivered a gospel sermon, 
with an application on loyalty to God and the 
Government, a soldier's privilege and duty. 

This detention made us late at the contra- 
band camp. On the plain we found a large 
gathering holding a prayer-meeting. An aged, 
gray-headed colored brother, was engaged in 
prayer. His language was weak and broken, 
but his prayer was strong and earnest in con- 
fession of sin, and supplication, with thanks- 
giving. He thanked God " fer de start from 
Egypt," and asked God " to take care ob dem 
in de wilderness, and to see dem all safe in de 
land ob Canaan." 

We dismounted, and with the two teachers 
took our seats on the platform. The leader in 
singing, a fine-looking young man, introduced 
the service, saying : 

" Brudren, its time to begin de meeting. We 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 241 

will sing de hymn, 'Hark from de tombs de 
doeful sound.' " He repeated the words from 
memory, line by line, making strange variations 
from the original, especially in the last verse, 
which he recited : 

" De tall, de wise, de rebel head 
Comes down so low as ourn." 

The singing, in which nearly all united, was 
in plantation style, quaint and new, yet im- 
pressive and soul-stirring. My talk on Christian 
duty my hearers evidently enjoyed, and I hope 
received in love so as to be the true servants of 
the Lord. One old pilgrim, bowed with age, 
walked up to the platform, and while I was 
speaking reached to me her sable hand, saying : 
" Bless de Lord for Jesus Christ. I want to be 
his servant for ever." All over the crowd, 
ejaculations were heard, with ominous signs of 
a "rousement," but I closed before the outbreak, 
for I saw that many of my hearers, were, as they 
say, " shouting happy." 

On the up Grade. Many of these people 
were living together as husband and wife, mar- 
ried slave-fashion, but not united in lawful mar- 
riage. When they had been taught the sacred- 
ness, obligations, and duties involved in the 
marriage relation, Brother Fisk, their teacher, 
ascertaining their wishes to be lawfully married, 
had sixteen couples ready for the ceremony at 

16 



242 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

the close of our meeting, As their names were 
called, the parties walked up to the platform 
and stood in line in front of us. One man, 
when his name was called, stood up and said : 

" My old woman is sick to-day, and can't turn 
out. Please excuse us till next Sunday." 

Here stood before us thirty men and women, 
until now denied lawful marriage, who were in- 
structed in the nature and obligations of the 
sacred relation into which they were entering. 
Each couple pledged their love and fidelity till 
death. During this ceremony, a solemn stillness 
pervaded the congregation — no excitement or 
disorder, but good behavior marked the con- 
duct of all the people. 

This was a necessary and important step in 
the uplift of these people to a true social, in- 
dustrial, and religious life. Here, on the banks 
of the Mississippi river, the stronghold of 
slavery, I was permitted, beneath the stars and 
stripes, to preach the gospel to these poor down- 
trodden people, and to witness such a marriage 
ceremony, none to molest, or make us afraid. 
" This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous 
in our eyes." (Mark 12 : 11.) 

On Monday we left Memphis for the encamp- 
ments at Young's Point and Millikin's Bend, the 
end of our voyage, and where the balance of our 
cargo was to be discharged and forwarded to 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 248 

the regiments or hospitals where the goods were 
directed. 

A Floating Hospital. Near Young's Point 
a three-decker steamer, formerly used in trans- 
porting cotton, had 750 patients, sick or con- 
valescent. Here I suspended twenty "Silent 
Comforters," and distributed some literature, 
dropping words of cheer as I could. In passing 
through the middle ward in the midst of nearly 
two hundred sufferers, a patient, very feeble but 
with distinct utterance, called my name. I ap- 
proached his cot, and he said : " At home, I 
used to hear you preach in our church in Dela- 
ware, Ohio, and I am glad to see you. Will 
you pray for me ? " 

I found that I knew his father, a good man, 
an elder in the Presbyterian church. A brother 
had come down to nurse him, and if possible to 
take him to his good home and beloved parents. 
As yet he had not succeeded in obtaining his 
discharge or a furlough. Conferring with the 
surgeon, I was advised to state his case to 
General Grant. This heroic soldier and humane 
gentleman, kindly heard my statement of the 
case and the opinion of the surgeon, and an 
order, in the proper way, was secured for his 
discharge. 

The next day, the young sufferer and his 
brother were on board the " Dunlieth," placed 



244 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

in a comfortable state-room, his wants supplied, 
and kindly nursed. At first he revived and 
was much better, but Albert Cunningham 
rapidly declined, and before we reached Louis- 
ville, he died the death of the righteous, and his 
brother took his remains for burial in the family 
graveyard at home. 

In this great encampment I found my old 
friends, K. A. Burnell of Chicago, and William 
Reynolds of Peoria, Illinois, delegates of the 
Christian Commission. With them I spent a 
day and evening in the divisions of Generals 
Logan and McPherson, in personal conversa- 
tion, in preaching as opportunity offered to 
large assemblies, brave soldiers, attentive hearers 
of the word. These troops were then under 
marching orders to face and to capture the 
frowning batteries of an entrenched enemy at 
Vicksburg. 

These two faithful, discreet, and earnest 
brethren, were doing a good work on those 
tented fields, sowing beside all waters, know- 
ing that the reaping time would surely come. 

At Cincinnati, my report of the distribution 
of our cargo and labors performed, was accept- 
ed and approved by the United States Sanitary 
Commission, and they thanked me for the ser- 
vice rendered on this voyage, and my trips to 
Perry ville, Kentucky, and Nashville. 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 245 

A New Departure. Soon after my return 
from this voyage I was invited by Geo. H. 
Stuart, Esq., president of the United States 
Christian Commission, to visit Philadelphia in 
regard to the work of the commission in Ohio 
and Indiana. My observation and experience 
had fully convinced me that an agency combin- 
ing the sanitary and the religious was needed to 
meet the physical and spiritual needs of our 
brave men in camps and in hospitals. On this 
basis the United States Christian Commission 
had been founded, uniting all religious denomi- 
nations in its support. Already, the heart of 
the nation liberally responded to its appeal for 
funds, and volunteer delegates were ready to do 
its work at the front. The United States 
Government, and officers of the army and the 
navy, sanctioned and encouraged its humane and 
Christian mission. By request, with the Rev. 
Mr. Parvin, an Episcopal minister of precious 
memory, both of us with commissions as dele- 
gates, made a tour through Pennsylvania, filling 
appointments made for us. We met large and 
enthusiastic audiences, and our intercourse with 
the people and public addresses awakened much 
interest, and secured good contributions for the 
cause. 

The Cincinnati Auxiliary. On my return 
home from the East, aided by the sympathy 



246 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

and cooperation of prominent and influential 
citizens, we entered on the work of organizing 
an auxiliary society in the city. We found 
favor in the eyes of the people, and were greatly 
encouraged. A public meeting was called, 
General Burnside of the United States Army 
presided and made a telling address, followed 
by Rev. A. T. Thompson, the eloquent young 
pastor of Wesley Chapel, Hon. B. Storer, the 
just judge and whole-hearted patriot. A box 
collection of $500 was taken, the first fruit of 
iuterest and generosity in the city. 

An auxiliary society was formed, A. E. 
Chamberlain Esq., president; Rev. J. M. Marley, 
secretary; Wm. T. Perkins, treasurer, and 
myself agent at large. Mr. Chamberlain fur- 
nished a large and central room for our head- 
quarters, and our business opened lively, funds 
and stores came in freely, and delegates — minis- 
ters and laymen of all denominations — offered 
their unpaid services, to serve six weeks at the 
front in various labors in camps and hospitals. 

Our First Anniversary was held in Mozart 
Hall, crowded to its full capacity, A. E. 
Chamberlain in the chair. Rev. John M. 
Marley read the report : 

Cash received during the year, $25,887 

Delegates sent to the front 117 

Copies of Scriptures distributed, 31,475 

Hymn books (Soldiers' and Sailors',) .....40,228 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 247 

Knapsack books distributed, 106,080 

Religious weekly papers, 693,950 

Pages of tracts and magazines, 909,615 

Reams of writing paper, 220 

Boxes and barrels of supplies sent, 990 

After the reading of the report and its adop- 
tion, eloquent addresses were made by Rt. Rev. 
Bishop Mcllvaine, Rev. T. M. Eddy, D.D. of 
Chicago, and Colonel Dudley of the United 
States Army. 

Sent to the Feont. After the battle of 
Chickamauga, an earnest appeal came to us 
from our delegates at Chattanooga for supplies 
and delegates to reinforce the few that were 
there. Ministers and laymen, volunteers from 
different parts of the State, promptly responded ; 
and equipped for their work with a blanket, 
woolen shirt, cap and badge, with a supply of 
selected stores, thirteen good and true men left 
for the South. Not having seen service at the 
front for several months, I was anxious to be of 
the number, and my brethren at the last 
moment decided that I should be of the party. 

We left Cincinnati September 23rd, on the 
mail-boat for Louisville, where we received 
transportation to Chattanooga, and filled our 
haversacks with provisions to use on the way. 
I was left with three others at Stevenson, Ala- 
bama, where, in a field hospital, we had 1500 
sick and wounded soldiers. We found our four 



248 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

delegates quartered in an old hall on the side 
of the hill. The upper room was our parlor, 
dormitory, dining-room and kitchen. The 
tower story was our store-room, reading-room, 
and chapel, far better accomodations than we 
expected. Really our home life was pleasant, 
and we felt well satisfied. 

At the railroad station we had a refreshment- 
room, a large tent which Colonel Lyon, com- 
manding the post, furnished ; and also twenty 
men for duty day and night, to aid in making 
coffee and preparing food for the sick and 
wounded on the trains going north. The 
government bakery supplied the bread and 
crackers, with which, supplemented by our 
jellies, canned fruit, condensed milk, and other 
good things from home, we could furnish a meal 
our guests relished and enjoyed. Our helpers 
would take the food to those who could not 
leave the car. We generally entertained four 
or five trains each twenty-four hours. Some- 
times I saw men that needed clean clothes. 
Having a good supply on hand, it afforded me 
great pleasure to supply them. These weak, 
hungry, suffering men sharing our hospitality, 
overflowed with gratitude and thanks to their 
friends at the North for this ministry of human- 
ity, patriotism and religion in their behalf. 

A Field Hospital was located on a lovely 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 249 

plain a short distance from the town. It was 
laid out in the regulation style, long rows of 
tents divided into wards, and a line of kitchens 
in the rear. In each ward we found from fifty 
to one hundred and fifty cots, with everything 
in good order, the best hospital arrangements 
and equipments I had ever seen. The surgeons 
and the chaplain received us very kindly, and 
afforded us many facilities to do our work, 
distributing stores and delicacies, and holding 
conversation with the patients ; and if the way 
was open, we held religious services. Some- 
times we met indifference and no interest, but 
the large majority were respectful and ready to 
hear our words of cheer, instruction, and en- 
couragement, and thankfully received any 
article in the way of delicacy and clothing 
that we could give them. 

Supplies Cut Off. The Confederate cav- 
alry destroyed the railway communication 
between us and Nashville, our base of supplies, 
and for a few daj r s we were short of some 
things, especially stationery and postage stamps, 
articles in great demand. The road was soon 
repaired. Our soldiers when they operated in 
this work of destruction, did it for good. They 
alwa}^s heated the rails and twisted them, while 
the Confederates simply bent them. -Our men 
had only to straighten the rails, and easily 



250 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

repaired the damage, but the " Yankee twist " 
was irreparable, with the facilities at hand. 

Letter Writing. Most of the patients 
were anxious to write home, and glad to receive 
our stationery and stamps. Out of our new 
supply, I filled my basket, and started on a 
tour of distribution. In a tent I would find 
five to fifteen men, tell them my errand, and 
tender the stationery. Some were on the cots, 
others able to sit on a camp stool. I always 
carried in my basket pen and ink, and the top 
of a soap box for a desk. If any were disabled 
so that they could not write, I would write at 
their dictation. 

One poor fellow, crippled in both arms, 
requested me to be his amanuensis. I stood at 
his cot, ready for business, and inquired to 
whom he desired to write. 

"Oh! to Nancy." 

Ignorant of his relation to Nancy, I inquired 
who she was. Smiling, he said : 

" She is my wife." 

" What do you wish to say to her ? " 

" Well, tell her, I'm getting along first rate ; 
and ask my brother Tom to see that she has 
fire-wood, flour, meat, and groceries. I will 
send money home when I get my pay." 

"That -is all right, and she will be much 
pleased. What else shall I write ? " 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 251 

" I guess you may wind up." 

" There is too much blank paper to send 
home. Can you think of anything else ? " 

" I believe not." 

" You were wounded in both arms. What 
if a minie ball had pierced your heart? " 

With a very serious look, hesitating a 
moment, he said : 

" I would have been a dead man sure." 

" Who preserved your life in the midst of 
such danger ? " 

" It was God that cared for me." 

" Then shall I tell Nancy that you feel that 
God preserved your life ? " 

" Yes, yes, indeed, that is what she would 
like to hear. She belongs to meeting, and is a 
good Christian." 

Pressing on him and his associates the claims 
of personal religion, and offering a prayer, I 
went my way. All in the tent united with 
him in thanks for the stationery and my visit, 
inviting me to come again. 

A Tea Party. On my rounds through the 
wards of this field hospital, I witnessed many 
scenes of special interest, some of a very serious 
character, others quite amusing. I saw, seated 
on a log, near his tent, a young soldier, feeble 
and emaciated. I greeted him cheerfully, and 
inquired about his health. 



252 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

" Well, sir, I am trying to get well after a 
severe spell of typhoid fever." 

" Where is your home ? " 

" My folks live in Indiana." 

44 Were you ever sick at home ? " 

" Yes, sir, I had plenty of fever and ague." 

44 What did your mother give you to eat 
when you were trying to get well of the fever 
and ague ? " 

44 She always gave me tea and toast, and it 
helped me." 

44 Why don't you get tea and toast here and 
get well ? " 

44 1 get it, but it ain't good, and I am so 
weak. I wish I could just get what my mother 
used to make. I believe then I would mend 
right along." 

44 Now, my young friend, I will try and make 
you a cup of tea and toast like your mother 
used to give you." Tears fell from his sunken 
eyes, and he thanked me heartily. I left my 
stationery basket in his tent, and went to our 
store-room and put into my haversack some 
Oolong tea — the genuine article — some loaf su- 
gar and a can of condensed milk, called at the 
bakery for a loaf of stale bread, light and sweet, 
and hastened to one of the hospital kitchens. 

There I found a colored man in charge. I 
asked the privilege of toasting .some bread, and 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 253 

for some hot water to make the tea for a sick 
soldier. 

" Yes, sah, certainly ; but, ain't you de minis- 
ter as preaches every night at de quarters of de 
commission ? " 

I replied that I was. He then shook hands 
with me, telling me, " I love de Lord, and I'm 
trying to live right. I will do the cooking, and 
you talk to me about Jesus Christ my Saviour." 
I gladly accepted his proposition, and he went 
to work, sliced the bread and toasted it nicely, 
moistening it with the condensed milk. The 
water was soon boiling, and the tea prepared. 
He loaned me the tea-pot and plate. A soldier 
helped me to carry the tea and toast. Arriving 
at the log, the young man had left, and I found 
him asleep on his cot. When awakened, he 
was very drowsy. I always carried a towel and 
a piece of castile soap with me. Securing a 
bowl of water he enjoyed a good wash that 
aroused him. Thus refreshed, and seated on 
his cot, I handed him a piece of toast and a cup 
of tea. He said at once : 

" That tea smells good ! Is there milk in it ? 
It tastes just right. Does the Christian Com- 
mission keep cows down here ? " 

He evidently enjoyed the tea and toast, re- 
ducing the pile so that I was afraid he would 
eat too much and do himself harm. I sug- 



254 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 

gested that it would be best not to eat so much 
at once. 

" Oh, sir, do let me have another piece ? " 

There remained a few slices on the plate, and 
I asked his fellow-sufferers, eight or ten in num- 
ber, if any of them would like a slice and some 
tea. My toast was gone and the tea-pot empty 
before half of them had a taste. 

I replenished my haversack, and secured 
more bread. The cook soon prepared another 
supply, and in a short time I returned and all 
in the tent enjoyed the repast, pronouncing it 
first rate. Then we were in a good state of 
mind and body for a short religious service in 
which we engaged. 

Comfort Bags. In our store-room we had 
a large box filled with what the donors at 
home called " comfort bags," made by small 
girls, and filled with "nick-nacks," writing 
paper and stamped envelopes, pins and needles, 
tracts, a Testament and a letter written by the 
sender. These gifts were appreciated in the 
camps and in the hospitals. The soldiers were 
always glad to receive them. 

I saw a stalwart soldier, who had lost an arm 
in the battle of Chickamauga, reading the letter 
he found in his " comfort bag." Tears were 
coursing down his manly cheeks, and with a 
voice tremulous with emotion, he said : " This 



SANITARY COMMISSION WORK. 255 

makes me think of my wife and children at 
home. How kind in some little girl to write 
me such a letter, and to send me such a lot of 
nice and useful things ! " 

These little messengers of aid and sympathy 
from the rear, came to cheer and strengthen 
the brave soldier at the front, far from his home 
and liable to the casualties of war. In this 
and many other ways did the pure patriotism 
and the Christian sympathy in the hearts of 
men, women and children, in a direct and effec- 
tual manner reach the soldier enduring hard- 
ship and exposed to danger. The little " com- 
fort bag " and its contents, the work and gift of 
a little girl, told the stout-hearted soldier that 
he was not forgotten at the home fireside, but 
fondly remembered and his heroic services ap- 
preciated. The " comfort bag " as well as all 
other gifts from home, carried with it an influ- 
ence felt and potent to resist evil in the time of 
temptation, and to be strong in times of weak- 
ness. The interest and sympathy of the peo- 
ple in the Union army, expressed in so many 
ways, was a silent and efficient power of great 
service in many directions, an acknowledged 
helpfulness in the great conflict in which the 
nation was involved. 



CHAPTER XI. 

BROADER RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 

AN Appointment. On my arrival at home, 
I found on my desk a commission from 
the governor of Ohio, appointing me a trustee 
of Miami University at Oxford, a State institu- 
tion where I graduated in 1833. Congress do- 
nated the State a township of land (23,040 
acres) as an endowment. The original Board 
of Trustees located the township, one of the 
best in the State, and leased it and erected 
buildings, and in 1823 appointed a faculty 
and graduated the first class in 1827. The 
university prospered, and has a very honorable 
history, having graduated large numbers of 
men prominent in the Church and in the State. 
Patriotism and Sunday-schools. At 
Dayton, Ohio, in the State Sunday-school Union 
at its anniversary in 1863, while the dark cloud 
of the civil war was hanging over us, and 
thousands of our officers, teachers and scholars, 
were at the front fighting the battles of the 
Union, I introduced the following preamble and 
resolutions : 

(256) 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 257 

Whereas, our Sunday- schools are so largely represented 
in the United States army and navy, and our co-laborers 
now in the service, cheerfully and heroically bearing the 
burdens of duty, fighting for the flag, and living by the 
cross : 

Resolved, that the Ohio State Sunday-school Union, 
assembled in convention, extends its cordial greetings and 
Christian sympathy with our brethren in arms : 

Secondly, that we urge upon every Sunday-school at 
once to open a correspondence with its absent members, to 
cheer and encourage our loved associates now in the camp, 
on the deck, or languishing in hospitals : 

Thirdly, that we earnestly desire that all the children of 
our brave soldiers and sailors should be gathered into our 
Sunday-schools and instructed in Bible truth and duty : 

Fourthly, that we would kindly encourage all soldiers 
who at home drilled in the Sunday-school army, and have 
studied the heavenly tactics, to fall into line on the tented 
field, establish a Bible class or Sunday-school for the spir- 
itual benefit of themselves and comrades. 

These resolutions were unanimously and 
enthusiastically passed. 

In the afternoon, 2500 Sunday-school scholars 
and teachers, each bearing a United States flag, 
inarched to the city park, and attentively list- 
ened to several patriotic and religious addresses. 

My Last Visit to the Front, was in De- 
cember, 1864, when with fifteen delegates of 
the United States Christian Commission we left 
Cincinnati for Nashville. The recent battles 
around the city resulting in the defeat of the 
Confederate army under General Hood, left a 
very large number of wounded soldiers of both 
armies in the hospitals. The Christian Com- 
mission work was in charge of Rev. E. P. 
Smith and his estimable wife. A large house, 

17 



258 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

well furnished and centrally located, was our 
home, where, advised by Brother Smith, we ar- 
ranged our work and received instruction. We 
had good supplies of stores and literature. 

I was assigned with Rev. J. B. Little of 
Indiana to the Cumberland hospital, Dr. Cloak 
in charge, a kind Christian gentleman, and Rev. 
Mr. Day, chaplain, a good brother, who gladly 
accepted our services. The hospital had twelve 
wards and 800 patients, very many of them 
severely and dangerously wounded. Such suf- 
ering I had never witnessed before. A feeling 
of sadness and a sense of my helplessness op- 
pressed me, so that I was almost ready to give 
up and return home. 

In my extremity, cast down and discouraged, 
I asked God to deliver me from this weakness, 
inspire me with courage and strength, and to 
give me grace sufficient for my day. The next 
day, with my associate who was a good singer,* 
we made our way early to the Cumberland 
Hospital and found work alleviating suffering 
and comforting the dying with the consolations 
of the gospel of the Son of God. In the con- 

*In a letter, received from Rev, J. B. Little, now pastor of the 
Presbyterian church at Davenport, Iowa, April 3, 1890, he writes : 
"I am the eldest son of your * yoke fellow ' Rev. Henry Little, D.D., 
of.Madison, Indiana. I remember some of your Sabbath-school 
stories before I thought of the ministry. I recall twenty-four 
religious services in the twenty-four wards of the Nashville hospi- 
tals with you one Sabbath day. You did the preaching and I 
sang." 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 259 

valescent ward we held pleasant personal 
conversation with the heroic, uncomplaining 
sufferers, distributed religious reading, and 
had public worship daily. This great hospital, 
with the sympathy and encouragement of its 
officers, afforded us a good field for labor. One 
day, we distributed 700 religious weekly papers 
in these wards. Often a man would say, look- 
ing at the name of the paper, " O yes, this is 
the paper my parents took at home. I am glad 
to get it." 

The " diet kitchen " established and worked 
by the United States Christian Commission 
was of great service in this hospital. The 
work was in charge of three ladies from Pitts- 
burg, delegates of the Christian Commission. 
Here, under the instruction of surgeons, nutri- 
tious food and delicacies were cooked and served 
to the patients — just what they needed, and 
could relish, and so helpful in their healing and 
restoration to health. 

Opposition. During the summer of 1864 I 
attended and participated in two state Sunday- 
school conventions, several county meetings, 
visiting military hospitals in Ohio and Indiana, 
and making addresses in behalf of the Chris- 
tian Commission. In my labors I encountered 
indifference, but very seldom any opposition ; 
popular sentiment was in favor of the interests 



260 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

I represented, whether patriotic or religious, 
pleading for the soldier or the children. 

One incident I will mention, and copy from 
the " Delaware Gazette," a leading paper in 
Central Ohio. 

" Kev. Mr. Chidlaw was invited to speak in Middletown 
(now Prospect) in behalf of the United States Christian 
Commission for the army and navy. A few disloyalists 
closed the Methodist meeting-honse against the cause of 
the soldier, and his faithful friend and earnest patriot. A 
crowd assembled around the locked doors, ready to force 
them open. Mr. Chidlaw proposed to take a block for his 
pulpit and speak in the open air. A prominent citizen, 
said: * For the credit of our town and this community, the 
meeting-house doors must be opened.' The key was fur- 
nished, and the meetiug-house crowded to overflowing. 
After a rousing speech in support of the Government and 
the army, a collection was taken for the commission. 

"In the box was found a butternut breast-pin, the 
symbol of disloyalty and copperheadism evidently dropped 
in by a sympathizer with the rebellion, either as an insult 
to the speaker or indignity to the soldier ; or, we hope, as 
evidence that he had recanted, and had become a loyal 
citizen. A few more such meetings would root out dis- 
loyalty, and bring all the people to ' rally round the flag 
boys,' and in practical sympathy with our brave soldiers, 
our brethren, who gallantly fight our battles, and win the 
victories which will preserve the Union and save the life 
of the nation." 

The Third Anniversary of the United 
States Christian Commission was held in Phila- 
delphia. Fifty representatives of its vigorous 
and efficient auxiliaries in the loyal States 
were present. We were invited by the citizens 
of Philadelphia to a dinner in the Continental 
Hotel, a very elaborate affair. This to me was 
an entirely new feature in Christian Commission 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 261 

affairs, and a bright social sunshine enjoyed by 
all. 

In the evening, the anniversary services were 
held in the Academy of Music, crowded to its 
full capacity by a brilliant and patriotic 
audience. George H. Stuart, Esq., presided, 
and J. S. Demond, Esq., of Boston, read the 
summary of the report, showing for the year 
the cash receipts, $1,297,755.28, and in stores 
$1,169,580.37, a marvellous outpouring of funds 
and stores to relieve and cheer our brave sol- 
diers on the field or in the hospitals. Philip 
Phillips, the prince of song, thrilled the 
audience with " Your Mission " rendered with 
remarkable effect. Three addresses were deliv- 
ered, and a telegram from Speaker Colfax, of 
the House of Representatives, read by President 
Stuart, announced that the law giving freedom 
to the slaves had passed. This glorious news 
occasioned the most rapturous and prolonged 
applause. 

The Closing Anniversary. The next year 
at Washington, A. E. Chamberlain, O. N. Bush, 
Eli Johnson, W. T. Breed, H. T. Miller and 
myself represented the Cincinnati auxiliary. 
We had a pleasant journey, and were quartered 
at the Metropolitan Hotel. On Saturday morn- 
ing a business session was held, and in the 
afternoon the delegates 1000 strong, led by Mr. 



262 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Stuart, called on President Johnson at the 
White House, the secretaries of the various 
departments, and General Grant. These inter- 
views were eminently satisfactory, and greatly 
enjoyed. Later the delegates from Ohio called 
on Ex-Governor Dennison and Ex-Governor R. 
B. Hayes, then in Congress. Both of these dis- 
tinguished gentlemen always favored the Chris- 
tian Commission and were our personal friends. 

In four years of its operations, the commis- 
sion had received in cash and supplies 
$6,291,107.60, and now accounted for its expen- 
diture for the benefit of our brave soldiers and 
gallant sailors. 

The Public Meeting. On Sunday evening in 
the hall of the House of Representatives, Vice 
President Colfax occupied the chair, and made 
the opening address, patriotic and eloquent. 
Near him were seated General Grant, Chief 
Justice S. P. Chase, General Augur, Bishop 
Simpson and George H. Stuart. Dr. Boynton, 
chaplain of the House, offered a very appro- 
priate and fervent prayer. 

Mr. Stuart sketched the history and work of 
the commission, sending out 5000 volunteer 
and unpaid delegates, ministers and laymen of 
all denominations, to spend each six weeks in 
camps and hospitals, distributing supplies worth 
$3,800,000, literature, stationery, and postage 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 263 

stamps $1,050,000, besides erecting chapels and 
supporting diet kitchens to prepare nourishing 
and palatable food for the sick and wounded. 

Addresses were made by Rev. Herrick John- 
son, D.D., Rev. E. P. Smith, Senator Doolittle, 
and General Augur. A telegram was received 
from General Meade stating that illness pre- 
vented his attendance, and expressing in the 
most emphatic language his high esteem for the 
Christian Commission, and for its efficient and 
timely services during the war. 

Vice President Colfax, after reading the tele- 
gram, said: "Dr. Johnson has spoken of the 
work of the commission in the East, we 
will now listen to one who has seen service 
in the South and West, Rev. B. W. Chidlaw, 
of Ohio." This was a complete surprise, and I 
was much perplexed. Mr. O. N. Bush, Esq., 
of Cincinnati, sat at my side, and I asked him 
what I should do. 

" Go ahead, and the Lord will help you," was 
his reply. 

With fear and trembling, unheralded and 
unknown, I made my way through the crowd 
to the speaker's desk, and was kindly greeted 
by the chairman and introduced to that grand 
audience. 

Greatly embarrassed at first, I gradually 
gained self-possession, and my usual freedom 



264 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

of utterance came to my relief. My experience 
in varied labors, wearing the badge of the Chris- 
tian Commission, came to my mind and help. 
I detailed incidents, illustrating the objects and 
methods of the commission on battlefields, in 
camps and hospitals, relieving and cheering the 
sick and wounded, and consoling the dying. 
My eye resting on Brother Stuart, I extended 
my hand, and, rising, he grasped it as oft times 
before. I said : 

"Brother Stuart, we shall not again hold 
pra3 r er-meeting around camp-fires, or minister 
to our suffering soldiers sick and dying. Thank 
God, and our victorious army and navy, that the 
day of peace has dawned upon us, the rebellion 
is subdued, the Union is unsevered, and the 
government lives. Good-bye Brother Stuart, 
and through you, to the 5000 laymen and min- 
isters who were our fellow laborers, till we 
reach the camping-ground on high." 

This closing of my extempore speech, border- 
ing on the dramatic, was entirely spontaneous. 
As water gushing from the fountain, so these 
words gushed from my excited soul and loosened 
tongue. My honest pride may be pardoned, if 
I copy what the " New York Times " said of my 
unpremeditated effort. 

" He thrilled the vast audience with his simple and elo- 
quent illustrations of the noble work done by the United 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 265 

States Christian Commission in the western armies. His 
allusion to the closing labors of the commission were so 
affecting as to melt the audience to tears." 

After spending a day in Washington, several 
of the delegates invited by Mr. Stuart went to 
Richmond. On the way we witnessed the rav- 
ages of war, and the city in its desolation deep- 
ened the impression. We visited Libby Prison, 
ascended to the garret where my friend and 
Christian brother, Chaplain McCabe and his 
fellow prisoners celebrated the Fourth of July, 
1863. The old flag they surreptitiously hung 
on the rafters of Libby Prison was to-day 
proudly floating from the dome of the capitol 
of Virginia. We visited and were delighted to 
see 3500 colored youth enjoying educational 
advantages in the free schools of the city. In 
a well-kept hospital we found seventy United 
States soldiers under treatment, with the " Silent 
Comforter " on the walls and a good supply of 
literature on the tables. At the request of the 
surgeon, we held a religious service, the patients 
interested, thanked us for calling and for the 
service they enjoyed. 

In the evening, we went to a meeting in the 
African Baptist church, crowded to the doors. 
We were favored with seats near the pulpit. 
Dr. Herrick Johnson made an address that 
moved the audience to a "rousement." Quiet 



266 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

restored, other short addresses were made. At 
the close the spirit of song rested upon the con- 
gregation, and they lifted up their voices as of 
many waters in singing the following words: 

" O strange brethren have you come to help us ? 
Give us your own right hand, 
Hallelujah, praise the Lord." 

Keeping time with a peculiar movement of 
the body, and swinging their arms, these words 
were repeated a score of times. 

The leader, at the close of the meeting, with 
clear articulation and peculiar intonations, sang 
as a soloist these words, the entire congregation 
joining heartily in the chorus : 

" He sets a table before me, 

In spite of all my foes. 
The light, and truth He gives us 

Shall gladden all our days. 
Then in His house securely 

I'll ever speak His praise. 



Chorus 



Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, 
And the walls came tumbling down." 



Hand-shaking and shouting followed this 
song, and when we left at rather a late hour 
there was no abatement in the excitement. 
The colored people evidently enjoyed this 
method of worship ; but more quietness and 
order, thought and instruction, would serve a 
better purpose and do more good. 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 267 

Our Christian Commission work was now 
finished, and we were mustered out of service, 
ready for duty on the Sunday-school missionary 
field, and along other humanitarian and educa- 
tional lines which Providence might open. 

Reform-school Work. For many years 
the subject of reforming juvenile delinquents 
was in my thoughts, and in it I was deeply 
interested. 

In 1866 Governor J. D. Cox of Ohio, ap- 
pointed me a commissioner of the Ohio Reform 
Farm School, near Lancaster, Ohio, founded on 
the family plan in 1856, on a large tract of hilly 
land. G. E. Howe, Esq., was the acting com- 
missioner residing at the institution, Hon. John 
A. Foote of Cleveland, and myself advisory 
commissioners. Ohio was the pioneer in adopting 
the family, rather than the congregate, system 
of treating juvenile offenders. The family sys- 
tem provides a safe, good home — the congre- 
gate, a prison with massive walls and iron bars. 

My associates in the management of the in- 
stitution were excellent and worthy gentlemen, 
qualified, and devoted to their duty. Mr. 
Howe, the pioneer in this new method of re- 
claiming and educating wayward, vicious, and 
criminal boys, was also a thorough business man. 
Mr. Foote was an experienced lawyer, skilled 
in accounts and finance : both were Christians in 



268 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

their characters and lives. To be associated 
with such gentlemen, and a co-laborer in such a 
work, was an honor and a privilege. From my 
taste and experience, it was natural for me to 
be specially interested in the social, intellectual, 
moral and religious training of our boys from 
ten to eighteen years of age, of every grade of 
intellect and shade of character. In 1866 we 
had five family buildings, two of them of hewed 
logs, and 238 boys constituting these five house- 
holds. In 1876 we had nine family buildings 
of brick, commodious and convenient, and 465 
boys. All the boys work on the farm or in shops 
half of the day, the other half is spent in the 
school-room. During these ten years great im- 
provements were made, water and gas works 
were introduced, vineyards and orchards plant- 
ed, and shop buildings erected. 

In reforming these boys, and preparing them 
for good citizenship — knowing that all true re- 
formation begins in the heart, and works out- 
wardly — adopting Divine revelation for our 
guide, we taught them to cease to do evil, and 
learn to do well. The soul must be renewed 
and delivered from the love, guilt, and power of 
sin, by faith in Jesus Christ. The boys were 
instructed in moral and religious truth in their 
home, their Sunday-school, and in the chapel. 
Each boy is furnished with a Bible, and helps 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 269 

to study the Sunday-school lesson in their com- 
fortable family home. 

In their home, forty to sixty in a family, they 
are in the charge of an officer called " Elder 
Brother," in all regards with proper authority 
" in loco parentis" the head of the family. If 
he is the right man in the right place, all is 
well. Knowing that boys in rags, and poorly 
fed, would not be contented, or respond to our 
efforts to save them, we provided proper and 
comfortable clothing, and plenty of good nutri- 
tious food. We instructed them in habits of 
personal cleanliness and good manners. We 
aimed in their treatment in the family, the 
school-room, shop and field, and on the play- 
ground to secure their respect and confidence. 
We as far as possible trusted them, and confi- 
dence became mutual. This settled them at 
home, and prevented escapes. 

We made the best possible provisions for 
their industrial training. Consulting their tastes 
and physical ability, we gave them employment 
on the farm or in the shops. This made labor 
pleasant, and, if a boy liked to work, he was on 
the way to a true reformation on that line. 
Character built, and habits formed on solid re- 
ligious principles, enable them to resist tempta- 
tions, maintain their integrity, and do well for 
themselves in the battle of life. 



270 . THE STOKY OF MY LIFE. 

The boys are sent, not sentenced, by some 
court of record. After reading their commit- 
ment papers, they are charged with demerit 
marks from 1500 to 6000, according to the crime 
for which they are sent. As the boy enters, an 
account is opened with him as to his conduct in 
the family, the school-room, and his labor. 
His discharge will depend on wiping out the 
demerits, and is therefore in his own hands, and 
this is a strong motive for a clean record. It 
takes a boy from a year and a half to four years 
to work his way out. 

When honorably discharged, with a clean re- 
cord, he receives $10 and a suit of new clothes, 
a reward for good conduct and service render- 
ed. After repeated efforts, we failed to secure 
a law authorizing the employment of an agent 
to look for homes, locate in homes, and look 
after them in their homes. As so many of the 
boys are homeless and friendless, they go out 
under a great disadvantage. The State should 
continue an authoritative guardianship over 
each discharged boy who has no home, till his 
maturity. 

From the best information we believe that 
seventy-five per cent of our discharged boys do 
fairly well, and earn an honest living, becoming 
producers, and not merely consumers. Some, 
unfortunately, drift into an evil life, or are 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 271 

drooes in society ; and of others we must say, 
as of many a gallant vessel, she left port and 
was never heard from. 

How we Got a New Chapel. Many years 
ago our chapel was a large room in the second 
story of our dining hall, uncomfortable and 
poorly ventilated. A committee from the Ohio 
Legislature were on a visit. That they might 
meet the boys and talk to them, chapel service 
was held. The evening was warm and the 
chapel crowded. One of the members, an 
earnest Methodist lay preacher, warming up in 
his discourse, said to me "Brother Chidlaw, 
can't we get some fresh air? I am suffering." 

" No, my good brother, we cannot ventilate. 
Your dilemma is an evidence that we need a 
new chapel." 

" That is a fact. I will remember this when 
the appropriation bill is up, and you shall 
certainly have a new chapel in which the 
speaker will not suffer for fresh air." 

The appropriation of $12,000 was secured, 
and a beautiful and well furnished chapel was 
built, where the Sunday-school is held and where 
our boys hear the gospel. 

A New Boy. On a winter morning during 
my monthly visit, just after our breakfast a 
sheriff brought a boy from Dayton, Ohio. 
Delivering his charge and the papers, the officer 



272 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

departed to make the train. The poor lad, four- 
teen years of age, was ragged, unwashed and 
uncouth. He was stolid and sullen, and when 
I offered to shake hands with him, he made no 
response, but kept his seat. I told him when 
people were friendly they shook hands. With 
this explanation, he arose from his chair, and 
we had a good time of it. I inquired if he was 
hungry. 

" Yes, I got no breakfast." 

I went to the kitchen, and the cook gave me 
a plate with a square meal on it, and a mug of 
coffee. I took it to the hungry boy, and he 
soon made a clean sweep of the food and cof- 
fee. The officer to take the boy into the lava- 
tory, the barber shop and the clothing-room, 
was not on hand, so I entertained my young 
friend, and invited him to go out with me and 
see his new home. I pointed out the family 
buildings, skirting the beautiful lawn, the work 
shops and the conservatory, but he was quite 
indifferent, and said not a word. He broke the 
silence, however, by asking : 

" Havn't you a thundering big jail to hold the 
boys ? " 

" No, but we have a chamber for reflection, a 
room where we put boys when they do wrong, 
that they may think of their evil ways and 
resolve to do better. Were you ever in jail ? " 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 273 

"Yes, lots of times ; in Buffalo, York State; 
in Cleveland and Toledo, and I came from the 
Dayton jail here. If you have no jail, how 
are you going to hold me here ? " 

I said, " In the same way we hold over four 
hundred boys. We will give you a good home, 
send you to school, and have you work half the 
day." 

The officer came to us and took the lad in 
charge, and, as the boys used to say, " he fixed 
him up." Examining the register, I found that 
he was located in the Muskingum family, and I 
went there. In their school-room, I found fifty- 
five boys enjoying themselves, reading, writing, 
studying their Sunday-school lesson, and some 
amusing themselves with games. I looked for 
the new boy, but I could not recognize him. I 
asked the Elder Brother (the officer in charge) 
to call him up to the desk. A nice, well-dressed 
youth walked up and I met him, offering him 
my hand. He took it like an old friend, and we 
had a good hand-shake. I asked if he knew 
me. 

" Yes sir, but I don't know your name. You 
are the man that gave me a breakfast this 
morning." 

" How do you like your new home here ? " 

" Well, it's a good place, and I am satisfied." 

18 



274 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

" As we have no jail, do you think you will 
run away ? " 

" No sir, I never had such a chance before, 
and I am going to stay and do right." 

In one day the State of Ohio changed the 
confirmed vagrant, jail-bird, filthy and ragged, 
into a well-clad, contented, and comfortable 
school boy in a good home, and with the oppor- 
tunity of attaining an honorable and useful 
position in life. Such boys are worth saving, 
and their salvation is possible if the proper 
means are faithfully employed. The history of 
the Ohio Reformatory for thirty-four years, 
affords ample confirmation of the fact. 

Incidents. Walking on Third street, Cin- 
cinnati, an express wagon driver jumped from 
his vehicle and accosted me, "Brother Chidlaw, 
how do you do ? " I knew by the hail that he 
was a reform-school boy (for there, we are all 
brothers), and gladly responded to his greeting, 
" How long have you been outside ? " 

"A little over four years." 

" How are you succeeding since your dis- 
charge ? " 

" I am following the instructions you and 
others gave me. I work steady, save my earn- 
ings, and I shall soon be able to buy and pay 
for a horse and wagon of my own." 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 275 

"How about the Sunday-school and 
church?" 

" Well, I remember your talk about going to 
Sunday-school and church, and keeping out of 
saloons and bad company. I don't work on Sun- 
day, and I go to church, but I am not a mem- 
ber yet. I hope to be one. I am living with 
my mother, and she wants me to live a religious 
life." 

Spending a Sunday in the Ohio Penitentiary 
at Columbus, after attending the prison Sunday- 
school, and preaching in the forenoon, I was in- 
vited, by a card very beautifully written, to 
call at a cell, where I would find a friend. I 
made the call, and found confronting me, clutch- 
ing the iron bars of the cell door, pale and 
haggard, one of our reform-school boys. I 
recognized him at once, and remembered him as 
one of our brightest boys, especially gifted in 
penmanship and the use of the crayon. In that 
line he was a genius, but he was sadly deficient 
in moral principle and indifferent to religion. 
I said to him, after words of sympathy and re- 
gret at finding him behind iron bars : " C , 

you are here for forgery, I suppose." 

" Yes, Brother Chidlaw, you are right. I 
paid but little attention to your teachings on 
the subject of morals and religion, and because 



276 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

of it, I am to spend five years of my life a con- 
vict." 

I encouraged him to study the Holy Scrip- 
tures, to adopt sound moral and religious prin- 
ciples, to trust in Jesus Christ, and lead a true 
religious life. He appeared interested and 
penitent, and promised to ponder the path of 
his feet, and walk in the way of righteousness. 
The talent which God gave him, and which the 
State of Ohio developed, for the want of moral 
principle the unfortunate youth had prostituted, 
his young life was blighted with the just and 
inevitable consequence of wrong- doing — the 
doom of the transgressor. 

Penal and Charitable Institutions. 
From 1850, while prosecuting my Sunday- 
school missionary labors over my wide field, and 
as population increased, I found opportunities 
of usefulness in visiting county jails and in- 
firmaries. These visits aroused my sympathies 
with prisoners and paupers, and interested me 
in their physical and moral condition. 

In our county infirmaries, (and we have eighty- 
eight in Ohio,) where our pauper population 
have a home, I always found a mixed house- 
hold, old and young, sane and insane, invalid 
and healthy, all classes of defectives, the 
ignorant and degraded, all in one family, and 
with few exceptions, without religious privi- 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 277 

leges. The condition of children in most of 
these infirmaries was deplorable, much 
neglected in mind, soul, and body. The 
authorities, understanding the object of my 
visit, received me kindly, and afforded me op- 
portunities to examine the buildings, converse 
with the inmates, and hold religious services. 

Child life in the average infirmary, was at- 
tended with many evils, and the dictates of 
humanity demanded a separation of the children 
from the adults, and special care and training. 
Through the press and public meetings, the 
subject was agitated, and a law was enacted 
authorizing the building of " Childrens' 
Homes ; " and now forty counties in Ohio have 
such homes, where pauper children are properly 
cared for and educated, and as soon as they are 
prepared, and an outside home is found, they 
are discharged, either by adoption or by inden- 
ture. 

In some county infirmaries Sunday-schools 
were established and sustained, and also daily 
schools, where the children received the rudi- 
ments of an education, an important step in 
their preparation for outside life. In a few years 
great improvements were made in the buildings 
and management of these institutions. 

Finding an Aged Disciple. In the county 
infirmary near Connersville, Indiana, I found an 



278 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

old and esteemed friend. I had known him for 
years, travelling through the country in a small 
wagon/ selling notions and books. He was a 
very religious man, and literally went about 
doing good. He was quite old, but vigorous 
and healthy. I had not met him for several 
years, and I was astonished to meet him an in- 
mate of this infirmary — an honest, industrious, 
and godly man in the poor-house I He was 
aged, and feeble physically, but happy and 
cheerful, glad to see me and to talk as of old on 
the subject of religion. He told me his story. 

"Two years ago, I gave up travelling, and 
disposed of my team and business. I paid all 
my debts, and I had very little left, but I 
trusted God, and relied on his promises. I was 
then eighty years old, and not able to work. 
My friends in the church took care of me, paid 
for my room and board. I had a good place 
and good friends, but as a Christian, a servant 
of God, I could not do much work in town, so 
I voluntarily came to the Infirmary, where, in 
the family of over fifty men, women and children, 
I could labor for God, and the souls of the 
perishing." 

His Christian experience, his natural gifts and 
religious knowledge fitted him for such work. 
The superintendent said : " Old Mr. Parker is 
a saint of the Lord. He is the salt of this 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 279 

establishment. Everybody respects him and 
listens to his earnest prayers, and are attentive 
to his religious teachings. I scarcely know how 
to get along with my people without him." 
Until his death, at 85, Brother Parker labored 
for the Lord and his poor on this chosen field, 
happy and useful ; winning many souls to 
Christ, consoling the sick and dying, and re- 
moving the burden of sorrow from many deso- 
late hearts. His death was a triumph, easy and 
peaceful, a change from the pauper home for 
the "many mansions," the poverty of earth for 
the enduring riches, and of service for the 
glorious rewards reserved above. 

The State Penitentiary. I endeavored 
to visit annually the penitentiary at Columbus, 
Ohio, and spend a few days, including the Sab- 
bath, within its walls, welcomed by the warden, 
chaplain and officers, and favored with doing 
what I could by personal conversation and 
preaching the gospel. Forty j^ears ago the 
prison population was only four or five hun- 
dred. On my last visit, in December, 1889, I 
found a prison population of 1410 men, and 30 
women, treated with humanity, under excellent 
discipline, and enjoj'ing the labors of a faith- 
ful chaplain, Rev. J. H. De Bruin. At 8 A. 
M. the Roman Catholics have a service, and the 
Protestants hold a Sunday-school. This morn- 



280 THE STORY OF MY LIFE, 

ing 500 scholars, in eighteen classes, were taught 
by Christian men from the churches of Columbus, 
Christ-loving brethren, for his sake unfolding 
and impressing divine truth on the intellect 
and the heart of their scholars. Many of them, 
led by the Holy Spirit, understand, believe, 
and accept the truth, and can say, though 
within prison walls, as did David, (Ps. 18 : 28 :) 
u For thou wilt light my candle : the Loud my 
God will enlighten my darkness." 

At 9 A. M., the hour for a prayer and con- 
ference meeting, nearly five hundred convicts 
assembled. One of their number opened with 
an earnest prayer, three others followed, and 
three gave their experience, the way God was 
leading them, their temptations and their joys, 
beseeching an interest in the prayers of their 
associates. One, to be discharged in a few 
days by the expiration of his sentence, in 
broken language told of what God had done 
for him, and his purpose, by the grace of God, 
to live an honest and good life, encouraging his 
fellow prisoners to get ready to go out by 
becoming truly religious. This meeting, con- 
ducted by these brethren in bonds, was to me 
a blessed preparation for preaching to the great 
congregation, who, in the spacious chapel, would 
wait on my ministry. 

What an audience was seated before me ! 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 281 

Thirty females in the gallery, and over fourteen 
hundred males in their prison garb on the 
ground floor ! The singing was congregational, 
led by an organ and a choir of convicts. In 
such a presence my soul was overwhelmed 
within me, but resting on the promise " in that 
hour," I delivered my message, telling my 
attentive hearers what our blessed Saviour said 
as recorded in John 12: 26, that they might 
follow him, live godly, useful lives, share 
divine honors now, and reign in life with 
Christ forever; closing with an application that 
each one should ask and answer the question : 
In whose service are you now? If in the 
slavery of sin, follow Christ, and he will make 
you free, free indeed. The solemn stillness 
and attention indicated the spirit of hearing, 
and the tears that came from many eyes, led 
me to hope that the Holy Spirit moved on these 
precious souls. 

An Incident. Several years ago, as I was 
passing a new building in Cincinnati, a man 
covered with brick and mortar dust, greeted 
me, saying : 

" I would like to speak with you, sir." 

" Certainly, I am always glad to converse 
with a man that labors as you do." 

" I heard you preach in Columbus three 
times." 



282 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

"Yes, I frequently preach in that city. In 
what church did you hear me ? " 

With a subdued voice, he said : " It was in 
the penitentiary. I remember one of the texts, 
the last time I heard you a good while ago. It 
was ' Lay hold on eternal life.' You told us 
that eternal life was true religion, and how we 
were to lay hold on it, and be saved by study- 
ing the Bible, by praj r er, trusting the promises 
of God, believing in Jesus Christ, and repent- 
ing of our sins. That sermon was my start. I 
read Matthew through the next week. I never 
cared for the Bible till then. I prayed, and I 
believe Jesus saved me, and I felt as I never 
did before. I have good reason to remember 
that sermon, and to thank God for it." 

" How did you get along in your new life ? " 

" Well, I made known the state of my mind 
to our chaplain, and he instructed and en- 
couraged me. I was converted, and ever since 
God saved me in my prison cell, I have loved 
and served my Saviour." 

44 How have you got along in your religious 
life since your discharge ? " 

44 Before I went to prison I was dissipated. 
I learned the bricklaying trade when a youth, 
and now follow it and have good wages. 
Liquor and bad companions, landed me in the 



RELIEF AND REFORM WORK. 283 

state prison for four years, but God made it a 
blessing for me." 

" Have you a family ? " 

" Only a mother and sister, both real good 
Christians. We live happy, my earnings sup- 
port us comfortably, we belong to the church, 
and enjoy our religious life ; and now I desire 
to thank you for the sermon that awakened my 
soul and told me how to be saved. I entered 
the prison an ignorant, hardened, reckless man, 
but by the grace of God, I left it a new man in 
Christ Jesus, and to this day God has been my 
helper." 

This unexpected interview, the revelation 
made, with the appearance, spirit, manner, and 
words of the man, told me that preaching the 
gospel within prison walls to hardened, thought- 
less convict hearers, the Bible in the cell, and 
access to the Mercy Seat, may be the power and 
wisdom of God in the salvation and religious 
life of the chief of sinners. 



CHAPTER XII. 

RENEWED SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK. 

RESUMING Mission Work. The blessed 
years of peace and prosperity that fol- 
lowed the civil war, were, with their enlarged 
opportunities, among the busiest of my life, and 
chiefly devoted to the advancement of the Sun- 
day-school cause — organizing new schools in 
neglected localities, reviving old schools that 
were languishing, and distributing our juvenile 
religious literature. A ten dollar library of one 
hundred volumes, selected with special refer- 
ence to the wants and circumstances of our 
scholars, secured by purchase (a donation, in 
whole, or in part, as we found the financial 
ability of the people), served important ends in 
our schools, new or old, feeble or strong. The 
library attracted and held our scholars, culti- 
vated a taste for reading, and afforded valuable 
knowledge otherwise not within the reach of 
our 3'oung people. In the publication and dis- 
tribution of this pure and elevated literature, 
the American Sunday-School Union rendered 
an invaluable service in behalf of our young 

(284) 



RENEWED SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK. 285 

people, anticipating the flood of frivolous, vile, 
and vice-engendering issues of the satanic 
press. Over the door of every school thus sup- 
plied with the Divine Text Book, and such a 
library, may be inscribed the legend over the 
entrance of the Eddystone Light-house : " To 
give light, and to save life." 

The resources of the society, and the desire 
of the Board of Missions to enlarge its opera- 
tions, made it my duty to employ additional 
missionaries, locate them on their fields, and 
cooperate with them as far as possible so as to 
render their labors pleasant and successful. 

During these years, from 1866 to 1870, the 
progress of the Sunday-school cause was indi- 
cated in the organization of "institutes" for the 
purpose of improving our teachers in the 
methods of teaching, how to gain and retain 
the attention of scholars, how to study the les- 
son, and how to impress its teaching on the in- 
tellect and heart so as to secure a clear and 
systematic knowledge of the truth — a personal 
Christian experience and a religious life, active 
and faithful. The institutes, from a small be- 
ginning, grew in public favor and importance 
among all Sunday-school workers, and did much 
in the elevation of the standard of teaching in 
our Sunday-schools, and the promotion of Bible 
knowledge among our scholars. Teachers' 



286 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

meetings became more general, and were found 
useful and interesting. County Sunday-school 
conventions became more general in Ohio and 
Indiana, and when ministers and laymen, ex- 
perienced and earnest in Sunday-school work, 
devoted their time to the convention, public 
interest became enlisted, good attendance was 
secured, and the discussion of practical subjects 
was helpful in the extension and improvement 
of the work. In these conventions all denom- 
inations united, and thus promoted fraternity 
and Christian unity in gathering the neglected 
into the Sunday-school fold, and instructing 
them in the doctrines and duties of Christian- 
ity. Our state Sunday-school conventions, 
well organized and efficient, aided effectively 
in securing confidence and interest in the good 
work, enlisting the cooperation of new and 
active co-laborers securing statistics. 

Grove meetings, generally called Sunday- 
school celebrations, became more general, and 
with improved arrangements for order and 
comfort, more useful and popular. By invita- 
tion, I participated in such a meeting in a 
lovely grove near Young America, Warren 
county, Illinois. In the trains and wagons 
over 3000 Sunday-school scholars and teachers 
from all parts of the county came together, 
and with good order and cheer, enjoyed the 



RENEWED SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK. 287 

day singing the songs of Zion, hearing ad- 
dresses, and in genial sociability. This exhibi- 
tion of the Sunday-school cause in the Prairie 
State, to the Ohio missionary was inspiring and 
hopeful, and an incident added to his pleasure. 

An Incident. At the noon hour, partaking 
of a basket dinner, a man accosted me very 
pleasantly and said : 

" When I w r as a youth in Indiana, our Sun- 
day-school attended a celebration, and you were 
one of the speakers. You did not take your 
text from the Bible, but you took two trees, 
one crooked and gnarled, the other straight and 
without a knot, and gave us an object lesson. 
You asked the schools what made the one 
crooked while the other was straight. A boy 
answered, ' I guess a limb fell on the crooked 
one when it was little.' You then showed 
w r hat made boys and girls crooked in their lives, 
bad and worthless. You hit me a good many 
times, for bad habits were gaining on me, and 
I resolved to quit them and to grow up straight. 
I live ten miles from here. Still I remember 
your talk years ago, and with my Sunday- 
school I am delighted to see and to hear you 
once more." 

The Presbyterian National Conven- 
tion. In November, 1867, 1 attended the great 
Presbyterian National Convention in Philadel- 



288 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

phia, composed of 400 delegates, ministers and 
laymen, representing the Old and New School 
churches of the North, and held in the interest 
of " Reunion." For thirty years division had 
separated these churches, and thereby their 
interest had greatly suffered. During the civil 
war, and after the evil of slavery had been 
removed, a closing of ranks and the healing of 
difficulties led the way ; and responsive to the 
growing demand for reunion this convention 
was called. 

It was a popular assembly for prayer, inter- 
change of views, and conference on the subject 
of reunion. The movement was spontaneous, 
and awakened a deep interest in the churches. 
At the preliminary meeting held in Dr. T. W. 
J. Wylie's church on Broad street, near 
Spruce, George H. Stuart, Esq., presided. 
Committees were appointed, and arrangements 
made for subsequent meetings. The tone of 
this first meeting — the church crowded, the 
earnest spirit manifested, the brotherly love and 
harmony that prevailed — gave unmistakable 
promise that its proceedings would hasten the 
day when the Presbyterian church, long rent by 
division, would be a unit in spirit and work 
for the Master. The first half hour of the next 
day was to be devotional, and I was invited to 
lead. A large attendance, fervent prayers, and 



RENEWED SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK. 289 

interesting remarks made this season of prayer a 
spiritual blessing, and a preparation for the work 
of the day. 

At the expiration of the half hour, I received 
a note from the chairman of the committee to 
nominate permanent officers, asking the continu- 
ance of the prayer-meeting for fifteen minutes, 
when they would be ready to report. After 
reading the note, I requested some brother to 
lead in prayer. The response lingered. Just 
then I caught the eye of Robert Carter of New 
York, and asked him to pray. He stood up 
before the Lord, and in scriptural language 
bewailed and confessed the sin of division, his 
voice tremulous and penetrating and full of 
pathos ; then, as if relieved of a heavy burden, 
he pleaded earnestly for the fulfillment of the 
Saviour's prayer for the unity of his people, and 
the spread of the gospel at home and abroad. 

This prayer was a wonderful out-pouring of 
a soul endowed with an unction from the 
Holy One, and its effect on the audience was 
marvellous, melted into tears and awe-struck in 
the presence of our prayer-hearing and prayer- 
answering God. The unbroken silence that 
followed told the impression produced. We 
were dumb before the Lord whose presence we 
so fully realized. 

The committee reported, and their nomina- 

19 



290 THE STOKY OF MY LIFE. 

tions were unanimously confirmed. They had 
failed to agree, and wanted further time. At 
the last moment, and in a way they knew not, 
they harmonized during the time when Robert 
Carter was in prayer, became of one mind, and 
united in presenting their report. It was said 
that Rev. Dr. Musgrave, a leader in the Old 
School, rather indifferent if not opposed to re- 
union, was so impressed with the prayer of 
Robert Carter that he became one of its strongest 
friends and ablest advocates. His advocacy 
and support added force to the movement, and 
hastened its consummation. 

In the afternoon session, the Rt. Rev. Bishops 
Mcllvaine of Ohio, and Lee of Delaware, dele- 
gates from the General Convention of the Protest- 
ant Episcopal church then in session in Phila- 
delphia, were introduced, and with words of 
warm Christian greeting and brotherly love 
encouraged us in the movement for reunion, 
bidding us God-speed in all our endeavors to 
save a perishing world. For two days the con- 
vention continued in prayer and conference, 
our minds enlightened and our hearts moved by 
eloquent and powerful addresses in favor of a 
reunited church, and when the final vote was 
taken it was unanimous and enthusiastic. The 
results of this national convention were wide- 
spread, arousing new interest in the movement, 



RENEWED SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK. 291 

and concentrating Presbyterial action in its 
favor. 

In Maj^ of 1869, I was appointed by my Pres- 
bytery commissioner to the New School General 
Assembly, to meet in New York, where the 
Old School Assembly also met. In both 
assemblies, the subject of reunion was thoroughly 
considered, and the terms of union settled. In 
both assemblies the vote on their adoption was 
unanimous and enthusiastic. 

On my way home in June, I participated in 
the session of the State Sunday-school Conven- 
tion at Steubenville, Ohio. The friends were 
out in force, new subjects relating to Sunday- 
school work were introduced, eliciting warm but 
fraternal discussion, and resulting in the adop- 
tion of measures to render our state work more 
efficient in the training of teachers and establish- 
ing new Sunday-schools in neglected neighbor- 
hoods around our local churches. 

My labors at the Ohio Reform-school for 
boys continued, visiting the institution month- 
ly. We had now 550 boys, in ten families. 
The daily schools and the Sunday-school were 
doing a good work in the intellectual and 
moral education of the boys. Some were, af- 
ter all our efforts, careless and very hardened, 
but the great majority made progress in the 
school-room, studied the Sunday-school lesson, 



292 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

and many of them committed the text to 
memory. They would in concert recite the 
entire text of the lesson, and for a half hour 
answer promptly and accurately the questions 
I would ask, showing that they had studied 
the lesson and understood its teaching. 

In travelling through the State, I frequently, 
at the request of friends, lectured on the Re- 
form-school, for the purpose of informing the 
people in regard to its objects and methods, 
and to warn boys drifting into bad habits and 
an evil life. I often delivered an address on 
" Bad boys, Why ? and What to do with them," 
developing the causes that produce juvenile 
delinquency, and the way to rescue and save 
them. 

The Bible in Public Schools. In Cin- 
cinnati, while the subject of excluding the Bi- 
ble from the public schools was agitated, a 
mass meeting of the friends of the Bible and 
opposed to its exclusion, was held, September 
22, 1869, in Pike's Opera House, one of the 
largest halls in the city. A grand gathering 
of prominent citizens, awake to the peril of 
the hour, thronged the hall. Hon. Rufus King 
presided, and addresses on the value and power 
of the Bible in our schools, read without note 
or comment, and the inevitable and disastrous 
effects of its exclusion were made by W. M. 



RENEWED SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK. 293 

Ramsey, Esq., Hon. G. R. Sage, and the old 
Sunday-school missionary. Strong and ringing 
resolutions condemning the attempt to banish 
the Bible from our schools were passed, but 
without the desired effect. The indifference of 
the avowed friends of the Bible, and the ac- 
tivity of its enemies secured a majority in the 
School Board, and God's Word was virtually 
banished from our public schools. 

In their hostility to the Bible in our public 
schools, Romanism and the enemies of the Bi- 
ble combined their influence and power to 
bring about the disaster, and now Romanism 
tells us that our public schools are godless and 
demoralizing, and that the system should be 
destroyed. In our Sunday-schools, the Divine 
Text Book, " God's holy book divine " has a 
place, and will hold it while truth and right- 
eousness dwell in our land. 



CHAPTER XIIL 

UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 

THE Reunion at Pittsburg. The two 
Presbyterian General Assemblies while in 
session in New York, adjourned to meet in the 
city of Pittsburg in November to consummate 
the union. The New School Assembly, num- 
bering over two hundred commissioners, Rev. Dr. 
P. H. Fowler, moderator, met in the Third 
church. The Old School Assembly convened 
in the First church, Rev. Dr. M. W. Jacobus, 
moderator. Each assembly spent the first day 
in transacting business and completing some 
details involved in the union. These were 
satisfactorily adjusted, and on the next day 
according to the arrangements made a grand 
and imposing procession, an Old School minis- 
ter or elder arm in arm with his brother of the 
New School, marched from one church to the 
other, the moderators at the head, followed by 
over five hundred ministers and elders, the 
echo of their footsteps on the side-walks of 
Pittsburg telling the world, " We are breth- 
ren," and that henceforth, in the Presbyterian 

(294) 



UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 295 

church, " Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and 
Judah shall not vex Ephraim," " Behold, how 
good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell 
together in unity ! " Thus united, with the 
" blessing of the God of peace " resting on its 
closed ranks, our beloved church, " strong in 
the Lord and in the power of his might," was 
equipped for a great and aggressive movement 
in all departments of evangelistic work, at 
home and abroad. 

The Reunited Church. Again I was hon- 
ored by my brethren with a seat in the General 
Assembly of 1870 at Philadelphia, ever mem- 
orable in the history of the Presbyterian church 
in the United States. In this city thirty years 
before the unity of the Presbyterian church was 
rent, an unhappy event, disastrous to her power 
and progress, a cloud upon her glory, an 
evil greatly deplored. To-day, division is a 
thing of the past. The reunited General As- 
sembly was made up of six hundred commis- 
sioners. Rev. Dr. J. T. Backus of Schenectady, 
New York, was elected moderator by acclama- 
tion. At the division, in 1837, the church had 
2140 ministers, now it had 4229: then its 
membership was 220,557, the reunited family, 
one in Christ, numbered 450,000, a wonderful 
increase under unfavorable circumstances. 

Genial Hospitality abounded in the City 



296 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

of Brotherly Love. The commissioners were 
royally entertained in private families, enjoying 
a real home feeling, and the comfort of genuine 
Christian fellowship. The Presbyterians of 
Philadelphia gave the General Assembly a 
magnificent banquet in the Academy of Music. 
On the front of the first gallery, in letters gold- 
en and of immense size, was inscribed, " The 
church in Philadelphia salutes you." Over three 
thousand, including other guests, were greeted 
by this emphatic salutation, and spent an eve- 
ning never to be forgotten, a real feast for the 
souls and bodies. 

The next day, invited by their friends, the 
General Assembly went on an excursion to 
Cape May. Our voyage down the bay, and 
our sojourn for a day on the shore of Old Ocean, 
was very enjoyable, and a new thing under the 
sun to many of us. 

In reviewing the reunion movement from its 
small beginnings to its happy consummation, the 
prayers offered, and the labor bestowed upon it, 
the delicate and difficult work of reconstructing 
our long-divided church, we can truly say, 
"The Lord hath done great things for us; 
whereof we are glad." 

During the sessions of the General Assembly, 
the forty-sixth anniversary of the American 
Sunday-School Union was held in the Academy 



UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 297 

of Music. The Assembly was invited to attend, 
and hundreds of its members were present. 
Vice President Colfax presided. A message 
was delivered from General Grant, President of 
the United States, in which the distinguished 
hero and statesman said: "I was a Sunday- 
school scholar for many years in Ohio, and I 
have never forgotten the lessons I there 
learned." Addresses were made by Rev. Dr. 
Cheney of Chicago, Dr. McCosh of Princeton, 
Dr. Arnot of Scotland, and others. 

The General Assembly, by invitation, at- 
tended a grand temperance meeting in the 
First church. Geo. H. Stuart, Esq., presided, 
Robert Carter, Esq., of New York, offered 
prayer, Rev. J. B. Dunn of Boston, Rev. Dr. 
Arnot of Scotland, Dr. John Hall of New York, 
and Dr. Cuyler of Brooklyn delivered eloquent 
and convincing addresses. 

Thus the reunited church expressed its sym- 
pathy and interest in the early religious instruc- 
tion of the neglected masses beyond the lines of 
our organized churches, and in the great tem- 
perance reformation, to save our nation from 
the untold and fearful evils of intemperance. 

An Ecclesiastical Wedding. Soon after 
returning from the Assembly I was invited to 
the marriage of the Old and New School 
churches of Oxford, Ohio. A large number of 



298 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

ministers and elders were present. The mar- 
riage contract entered into by the sessions of 
both churches was considered and approved by 
the contracting parties, and in the presence of 
a crowded audience these two churches, so long 
divided, became the " Presbyterian Church of 
Oxford," in charge of Rev. A. H. Young, a 
faithful and honored pastor, and for twenty 
years the united church has prospered. The 
uniting of two churches in the same locality, 
in so many places, has been a blessed fruitage 
of the reunion of the Presbyterian church. 

A Christian Convention was called to 
assemble in Columbus, Ohio, to consider the 
present state of religion, and to adopt ways and 
means for its improvement. A large and influ- 
ential body of ministers and laymen assembled, 
and practical questions regarding Christian 
unity, aggressive work, and consecrated per- 
sonal service were ably discussed by Drs. T. E. 
Thomas of Dayton, Fairchild of Oberlin, Good- 
rich of Cleveland, T. A. Reamy, M. D., of 
Zanesville, and D. L. Moody of Chicago, and 
others. 

At the request of the warden and chaplain 
of the penitentiary, a delegation was appointed 
to hold a religious service within its walls on a 
week day afternoon. We found the prisoners 
just out of their workshops assembled in the 



UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 299 

chapel. H. Thane Miller of Cincinnati led the 
meeting. For an hour we instructed and en- 
couraged our convict hearers to seek salvation 
and to lead Christian lives. B-rother Miller sang 
with wonderful effect the " Old, Old, Story." 
The prisoners were deeply moved, and many 
were in tears. While thus affected by the 
truth, and, we hope, moved by the Holy Spirit, 
Brother Miller asked that all who desired to be 
saved and to have an interest in our prayers to 
raise a hand. Hundreds of uplifted hands 
responded, and fervent prayer was offered in 
their behalf. 

The National Prison Reform Congress. 
In October, 1870, this congress held its annual 
meeting in Cincinnati. Twenty-two States 
were represented by three hundred delegates. 
Governor R. B. Hayes of Ohio, presided, with 
Governor Baker of Indiana, vice president. 
In this grave, dignified, and cultured congress, 
were the leading men and women of our 
country discussing for several days the subjects 
of penology and prison reform. 

In their presence, it was my privilege, at the 
request of the committee of arrangements, to 
prepare and read a paper on the place and 
power of religious instruction in prisons and 
reformatories. Instead of apologizing for the 
introduction of religious instruction, or pre- 



300 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

senting theories and speculations on the subject, 
I assumed that convicts were not only trans- 
gressors of human, but of Divine laws, sinners 
before God, and needed peace and pardon in 
order to be truly reformed ; that the gospel of 
the Son of God, was, when accepted, the power 
of God unto salvation, to every outcast dead in 
trespasses and in sin. Facts from my personal 
knowledge of the religious instruction imparted 
to adults, as well as juvenile criminals, result- 
ing in their reformation, were my arguments in 
its favor. My illustrations were the methods 
adopted in the Ohio Reform-school in impart- 
ing religious instruction in the family, the 
chapel and the Sunday-school. The discussion 
that followed the reading of the paper, in its 
drift commended the principles and methods 
that were presented. This congress did much 
in arousing the public mind to the prevention 
of crime, as well as the treatment of the crimi- 
nal, to the enactment of just and humane laws 
on the subject of punishment, and the manage- 
ment of prisons and reformatories. 

A New Decade. From 1870 to 1880 I 
spent in Sunday-school missionary labors asso- 
ciated with my fellow missionaries, in attend- 
ing state, county, and township conventions, 
holding grove-meetings, preaching to large 
audiences of young people connected with our 



UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 301 

Sunday-schools, and as opportunity offered, 
visiting penal, reformatory and charitable insti- 
tutions, glad to find improvement in their man- 
agement, and the increase of public interest in 
their welfare and sympathy with their inmates. 

The winters I generally spent East laboring 
for the society, giving information of its opera- 
tions, and raising funds for its support. These 
labors were rendered pleasant and successful 
by the confidence, endorsement, and coopera- 
tion of influential ministers and Sunday-school 
officers interested in my mission. Two of my 
esteemed fellow-laborers in the West, Rev. John 
McCullagh of Kentucky, and Stephen Paxson 
of Illinois, were often my associates, efficient 
helpers when East, brethren beloved in the 
Lord, ready for every good word and work. 
Both have been released from their cherished 
Sunday-school missionary work, and have 
entered upon " an inheritance, incorruptible, 
and undefiled, and that fadeth not away." 

Semi-Centennial. In April, 1879, I was 
invited to attend the half century memorial of 
the first Sunday-school I established in 1829 in 
Radnor, Delaware county, Ohio, the home of 
my youth, and where are the honored graves 
of my venerated parents and kindred. The 
citizens, agriculturists, thrifty and prosperous, 
and generally religious, descendants of the old 



302 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

pioneers, made great preparations for commem- 
orating this occasion. We met in the Baptist 
church, near the spot where the log chapel 
stood, and where fifty years before the Sunday- 
school banner was first unfurled. I took with 
me some relics of that early school, a piece of 
the old log chapel built in 1817, the early 
records of the school, and a book, " The Dairy- 
man's Daughter," that belonged to the first 
library that I bought at Gambier, Ohio. Many 
years ago I secured these mementos of my first 
Sunday-school work. These relics are now 
safely preserved with some documents relating 
to the school, entrusted to safe hands, in a tin 
box, to be opened at the centennial in A. D., 
1929. 

The Roll Gall. In the presence of a very 
large audience, holding the old record in my 
hand, I called the names of the original schol- 
ars and members of the Sunday-school Society, 
but there was no response. I was the only 
survivor present. Two of the scholars were 
alive ; one, by reason of infirmity, was not 
present ; another lived at a distance and could 
not attend. After the roll call, the congrega- 
tion deeply affected, I delivered an address, 
with reminiscences of my boyhood pioneer 
days, our schools, our religious meetings, and a 
memory picture of the first Sunday-school, its 



UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 303 

officers and scholars, three of whom became 
ministers of the gospel, faithful heralds of the 
cross, serving God and their generation. 

This interesting memorial day filled my soul 
with mingled emotions. The workmen cease, 
but the work of God moves on ; generations 
pass away, but true and faithful witnesses 
remain ; strong shoulders are still under the 
ark of God, and saved souls rejoice in his salva- 
tion. The old log chapels had given way to 
five brick or stone houses of worship, and five 
Sunday-schools beautified the moral landscape. 
There never was a saloon in the township, nor 
a native pauper (one born in the township). 
A convict had never been the product of this 
Christian community. 

This celebration, continuing two days, the 
unusual religious interest it excited, made 
impressions deep and abiding in regard to the 
importance and value of Christianity and the 
institutions it originates and fosters — the fam- 
ily, the school and the church. 

The Robert Raikes Centenary in Lon- 
don. After forty-three years of missionary 
service under the auspices of the American 
Sunday-School Union, the Board of Managers 
appointed me to represent the National Society 
at the Raikes Centenary to be held in London, 
in June, 1880. With a beloved daughter, a 



304 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

graduate of the Oxford Western Female Semi- 
nary, Oxford, Ohio, an earnest and happy 
Christian (now and forever with the Lord), 
leaving care and labor behind, we left New 
York the 29th of May, and after a pleasant 
voyage of nine days on the good steamship 
" Egypt," we reached Liverpool, and the next 
day we were at the great Metropolis. 

Amidst its wonders we spent three weeks in 
sight-seeing, hearing distinguished preachers in 
church and chapel, visiting and addressing Sun- 
day-schools, reformatory, humane and charita- 
ble institutions with which London abounds, 
realizing that the eye is never satisfied with 
seeing, nor the ear with hearing, nevertheless 
we were delighted and instructed. 

The London Sunday-School Union. The old- 
est organization for the promotion of Sunday- 
school interests (except the First Day Society 
of Philadelphia) was founded in 1803. Its 
building, No. 56, Old Bailey, is a valuable and 
commodious structure well arranged for the 
transaction of the large and increasing business 
within its walls, chiefly the publication and 
distribution of the excellent juvenile literature 
it publishes and extensively circulates in Great 
Britain and its dependencies. 

The delegates that responded to the invita- 
tion of the London Sunday-school Union 



UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 305 

numbered nearly eight hundred ; of these 205 
were from the United States, and forty-four 
from Canada. Over three hundred were for- 
eigners representing fourteen Christian nation- 
alities, and nearly all the evangelical denomi- 
nations in Christendom, a grand showing of the 
extent of the Sunday-school cause, and the 
spirit of Christian unity and cooperation in its 
support. 

Our head-quarters were at the Sunday-school 
Union building, where we were cordially wel- 
comed and registered. Our first meeting was 
in the large hall of the Union, for the purpose 
of introducing the foreign delegates to their 
English, Scotch, Irish and Welsh fellow-labor- 
ers, a most enjoyable occasion. Sir Charles 
Reed, M. P., the eminent educator and philan- 
thropist, presided, and gave us a hearty Chris- 
tian welcome to which several brief responses 
were made. After spending a half hour in 
hand-shaking and conversation, we were invited 
to partake of the hospitality of the Union in a 
social tea which we all enjoyed. 

The first public meeting was held in Guild- 
hall, a grand historic building, the Lord Mayor 
of London in the chair. His address of wel- 
come breathed the spirit of brotherly kindness, 
and appreciation of, and sympathy with us in 
the Sunday-school work. He was followed by 

20 



306 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Hatherley, 
who said "that he had enjoyed the privilege, 
the honor and pleasure of being a Sunday-school 
teacher for forty years." This statement from 
the heart and lips of a peer of the realm elicited 
long and hearty applause. The Earl of Aber- 
deen, Dr. Punshon and Dr. J. H. Vincent, were 
also heard in short and telling addresses. 

This inaugural service was the only meeting 
in which the Established Church of England 
participated. For four days we met in the 
Memorial Hall, Great Faringdon street. The 
first half hour each day was spent in devotional 
exercises, interesting and profitable. Well 
prepared addresses, or papers, were heard, 
followed with free discussion frequently elicit- 
ing ideas of practical value. The London 
Union provided a noon lunch, palatable and 
abundant, so that our time was saved and our 
sociability gratified. This was a great favor 
and a kindness from the Union which we all 
appreciated and enjoj^ed. In the evenings popu- 
lar meetings were held in Exeter Hall, and 
other places in London, and addresses mostly 
by foreign delegates were made to crowded 
audiences. On Wednesday we had an outing 
to the Crystal Palace, with a grand concert, 
10,000 scholars uniting in a service of sacred 
song. 



UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 307 

On Friday evening, a communion service 
was held in the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Rev. 
Charles H. Spurgeon, pastor, presiding. The 
ground floor, seating 2500, was occupied by 
communicants admitted by ticket, and the 
galleries crowded with spectators. Mr. Spur- 
geon was at his best, in reading hymns, pra} T er 
and address, his heart glowing with love, and 
his tongue with burning eloquence. He told 
the story of Calvary, and the redeeming work 
of the Crucified One with wonderful effect, a 
blessed preparation to receive the symbols of 
his broken body and shed blood. Disciples of 
our Lord from all parts of the world, uniting in 
the celebration of the love of Christ and his 
vicarious sacrifice for sin, made a memorable and 
soul-inspiring occasion, a manifestation of Chris- 
tian unity, a foretaste of the communion of 
saints around the great white throne. 

On Saturday, an immense concourse of people 
gathered on the Victoria Embankment (a prom- 
inent location given b} r Her Majesty for the 
purpose) to witness the unveiling of a beautiful 
marble statue of Robert Raikes of Gloucester, 
erected by the Sunday-schools of England. On 
the platform stood a world-known and honored 
Christian nobleman, the Earl of Shaftsbury, who, 
at the close of his interesting and inspiring 
address, with an arm trembling with age, pulled 



308 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

the string and the veil fell from the statue amid 
the shouts of thousands. This was an enthusi- 
astic and fitting termination of a week of e n- 
memorative services in honor of the devout 
journalist, the Christian philanthropist whom 
God raised up to be the founder of Sunday- 
schools for the religious education of unborn 
millions. 

A Picture Discovered. When I was nine 
years old in my quiet home in Wales, an artist 
took my picture. All that I remember about it 
is that my mother gave me bread and butter 
with sugar on it for staying in the house while 
the artist was at work. I was the only male 
child in the connection, and an aunt in Lon- 
don, my father's eldest sister, desired the picture 
taken, and it was sent to her. 

My father, a young and enterprising trades- 
man, left Wales for the United States, and 
landed in New York in 1794, and there spent 
four or five years working at his trade. He 
soon acquired the English language, and became 
thoroughly Americanized in his views of civil 
and religious freedom. In 1799 he returned to 
Wales and married my mother, intending to 
return to America at once, but circumstances 
led him to remain in Wales and engage in 
business. By the death of a brother he inherited 
a small leasehold near Bala. He found it worn 



UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 311 

out and unproductive, and before he improved 
it he commuted the tithe, to pay so much 
money instead of the tithe in kind. Applying 
labor and fertilizers, he raised good crops and 
the tenth became of much greater value than 
the commutation. 

The parish rector sent his tithing-master into 
my father's fields, and took the tenth of the pro- 
ducts in the face of a legal written contract. 
My father, a Non-conformist, a conscientious 
dissenter from the Established Church, never 
attended worship in the church, but was a 
regular worshipper in the chapel of the Dissent- 
ers ; yet he was compelled to pay the tithe, 
and, voluntarily, to support his own pastor. 
This violation of a written contract by the parish 
rector, a flagrant and outrageous wrong, my 
father resisted, and sought justice in the civil 
court. But the rector gained the case, Caesar 
had no justice for the oppressed Dissenter. His 
American and Christian ideas led him to dispose 
of his property, and with his wife, daughter, 
and son, to emigrate to the land of the free. 

When I visited Wales in 1835 and in 1839, 
diligent inquiries were made about that picture, 
but no clue of its whereabouts could be found. 
At the close of one of our evening meetings 
during the centenary week in London, a gentle- 
man came to me and said : 



312 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

"To-daj 7 * I saw a placard announcing that 
you, a delegate from America, were to speak 
here. My wife is a daughter of your cousin, 
Morris Roberts in Wales, and she is very 
anxious to see you." 

The next day, we dined at his pleasant home. 
In conversation, I spoke of the picture sent to 
London sixty-one years before. My kinsman, 
so unexpectedly found, said : 

« Why, I have often seen the picture and 
admired it, and it is now safely held by Mrs. 
Green, the daughter-in-law of your aunt, to 
whom the picture was sent sixty-one years ago." 

We soon finished our dinner, and hastened 
through the streets of London to find the aged 
custodian of the picture. She gave me.a cordial 
reception, glad to meet a cousin of her late and 
beloved husband, saying : 

"My mother-in-law used to speak often and 
kindly of her brother that went to America 
long, long ago, where he died leaving a widow 
and two children, and that the son became a 
minister of the gospel. When she died years 
ago, she gave the picture of her American neph- 
ew, a small boy in Wales, to my late husband, 
charging him to keep it safely, and when he 
died he left the picture in my care, a sacred 
treasure, and it is now in my possession." 

She sent a servant up-stairs for the picture 



UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 313 

that I might see it. As I held the antique 
frame, ten by eight inches in size, in my hand, 
realizing what it was, astonishment and delight 
filled my soul. My emotions were indescribable. 
Amazed, my hand trembling, I beheld the face 
and form of a small boy dressed in a blue jacket 
and a white frill around his neck, holding in his 
right hand the United States flag, the glorious 
red, white and blue, its beautiful folds richly 
displayed, and the fore finger of his left hand 
pointing to a legend in English, " Where liberty 
dwells there is my country." Then I felt pro- 
foundly that it was my liberty-loving father 
expressing on that canvas the love of freedom 
and a free country, deep down in his own heart, 
and his desire that his little boy should inherit 
his spirit and spend his life in that country 
where liberty dwells. 

When, in 1819, that picture was taken, I 
knew nothing of America, only as the country 
for apples, and I had no knowledge of the 
English language. My eyes were enchained to the 
picture, and my soul absorbed in its signifi- 
cance. My honored father, in his grave since 
1821, in his principles and character stood be- 
fore me, and anew won my warmest love, ven- 
eration and honor. For over sixty years it had 
been sacredly preserved in the family. The 
aged lady held it as sacred trust, and allowed 



314 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

me to take it to a photographer, but his work 
was unsatisfactory. I returned the picture, and 
left London. I had some correspondence with 
her, and, before I left Wales, she kindly sent 
me the picture, with the following letter : 

iK I prize the picture very highly for my husband's sake, 
but I can understand that you, and your children, and 
theirs, will appreciate and preserve it ; therefore, with my 
kind regards to you and your daughter, I send it to you 
with my best wishes that you may have a safe journey to 
your distant home in America." 

To-day, the picture, beautiful as a work of 
art, with clear and bright colors, the flag, and 
the legend, is held as a sacred relic, and admir- 
ed by my five surviving children, my nineteen 
grand, and five great-grand children. Its won- 
derful preservation for so many years, hid away 
in : private residences, and its unexpected dis- 
covery, give increasing interest and pleasure in 
its possession. The lesson it inculcates of the 
value of family ties, and the power of parental 
influence on the character and lives of their 
children, is, by this simple narrative, illustrated 
and enforced. 

Deputation. At the close of the centenary 
meetings in London, I was invited, with two 
other foreign delegates, to go to different cities 
. in England and Wales to aid in centenary cele- 
brations. We found the arrangements well 
made, and the trip very enjoyable. English 



UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 315 

hospitality of the most genial kind abounded, 
and we were always with friends, whose Chris- 
tian fellowship contributed largely to our com- 
fort and pleasure. 

At Gloucester, the native place of the modern 
Sunday-school, the idea of teaching ignorant and 
neglected youth on the Lord's day the truths of 
the Bible, that they might know God and serve 
him, was made practical. The idea, heaven- 
born in the soul of Robert Raikes, was a combi- 
nation of humanity and religion to benefit the 
rude, thoughtless, and ignorant youth of Glou- 
cester. It is said that his original purpose was 
threefold : to teach good manners, to give in- 
struction in letters, and, especially, to impress 
religious truth on the mind and heart of the 
young. 

In that city we remained two days, holding 
public meetings for prayer, praise, and ad- 
dresses, laying the corner-stone of the " Robert 
Raikes Memorial Hall," costing $35,000, to be 
used for educational and religious purposes, a 
worthy tribute to the memory and services of a 
great and good man, and witnessing a proces- 
sion of 8000 Sunday-school scholars, teachers 
and friends, and addressing them in the open 
air, a field full of people, well-ordered and at- 
tentive. 

After our four o'clock cup of tea, delicious 



316 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

and refreshing, our kind host, at our request, 
became our guide to the house where Mr. 
Raikes and Mary Davis, his employed help, held 
the first Sunday-school. We passed the great 
cathedral. The Sunday-school was not born 
within its magnificent walls. It is said that as 
the school increased it found a home in the 
crypt of the cathedral, and there flourished, 
Mr. Raikes and his faithful band of hired teach- 
ers sustaining it, teaching good manners, letters, 
and religion. 

Entering Catherine street, and looking diag- 
onally, we saw the old house, the lower story 
of brick, with a door and a window, the upper 
of conglomerate material with one large win- 
dow. There the birthplace of the Bible-school 
sto'ocl, just as it did a century ago. We gazed 
in silence, and with interest, on its unpretend- 
ing and antiquated front. I inquired of our 
host if we could not go in. He thought not, 
as it was a private dwelling. However, I ven- 
tured to cross the street, and as I approached the 
door I saw an old-fashioned knocker. Before 
reaching my hand to use it, I thought that 
the hand of Robert Raikes had used it a 
hundred years ago. In this revery of thought, 
I let fall the knocker, and, at once, a pleasant 
lady responded. I told her that I was from 



UNION AT HOME AND ABROAD. 317 

America, and desired to enter the room where 
Mr. Raikes began his Sunday-school. 

" Please come in, sir. Many people, some 
from your country, have visited our house this 
summer." 

" May I invite some friends who are on the 
opposite side of the street? " 

" Certainly, sir. Ask them to come." 

I beckoned, and we all followed the kind land- 
lady through the front room, in the rear of 
which was a narrow stair-way. Ascending, we 
entered a room occupying the entire second 
story. Here, one hundred years before, from 
the hand of faith and love, fell the little seed, 
that blessed of God, produced a great tree be- 
neath whose branches 20,000,000 of the human 
race are now receiving religious instruction 
from an open Bible, and the godly lips of men 
and women as teachers of the word. 

We stood on its uncarpeted oaken floor in si- 
lent awe, and profound thought of the man and 
his work. A lady broke the silence, and said : 

11 1 feel that we should have two prayers, one 
of thanksgiving for a century of Sunday-school 
history, and another of supplication for the Di- 
vine blessing on the new century." 

Two of us opened our lips, pouring out our 
hearts in thanksgiving, and in supplication before 
the Mercy Seat ; and we could say, as the patri- 



318 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

arch did of old, " Surely, the Lord is in this 
place." 

Our stay in Gloucester was exceedingly 
pleasant and profitable. Our entertainment 
afforded us an opportunity of witnessing the 
e very-day home life in an intelligent, refined, 
and religious family in the middle walks of life; 
and, we must say, such a home is a great bless- 
ing to all concerned, a foretaste of the purity, 
love, and happiness we anticipate in the heav- 
enly home. 

From Gloucester we went to Exeter, an old 
cathedral city, with a castle, and walls falling 
into decay. Here we spent two days in appro- 
priate commemorative services. A mass meet- 
ing of 3000 scholars was held in the castle yard, 
with singing, addresses, and a tea on a large 
and bountiful scale, which with good order and 
cheer the scholars greatly enjoyed. The day 
meetings for conference and addresses were 
held in Non-conformist chapels. In the evening 
we assembled in the spacious and beautiful Vic- 
toria Hall. Here each speaker had a resolution 
which he presented and supported. One of 
these was offered by Bishop Temple, then of 
Exeter, now of London, and sustained in a very 
practical and effective address. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

A SERIES OF CELEBRATIONS. 

DEPARTURE for Wales. After our 
deputation work was finished in England, 
on a very lovely day we left Exeter, several of 
our friends accompanying us to the station, 
where we booked for Llangollen. During the 
day, we passed some of the garden spots of old 
England, well-cultivated farms and thriving 
villages. At Shrewsbury, an old, antiquated 
city, we were delayed several hours which we 
employed in sight-seeing, well reconciled to the 
detention. In the evening we reached our des- 
tination, and found comfortable quarters in the 
" Hand " hotel, a good specimen of Welsh hos- 
telry. 

Here, once more in my native land, I was 
prospered in my way, rejoicing in the favor and 
goodness of God. We lingered several pleas- 
ant hours in and around this quaint old Welsh 
town, admiring the beauty of the vale of Llan- 
gollen. At noon we left for Dolgelley, a dis- 
tance of forty miles up the valley of the Dee, 
skirting the shore of Llyn Tegid (Bala lake) 

* (319) 



320 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

and the base of the Aran and Arenig range of 
mountains, and after this pleasant experience 
of railroad travelling in the Principality, we 
reached the pleasant home of my kinsman, 
John Chidlaw Roberts, and his estimable wife, 
to find a cordial welcome from the only rela- 
tive I had in the land of my fathers, and the 
home of my childhood. 

In this old town, with its narrow, crooked 
streets, under the shadow of Cadair Idris, the 
next to the highest mountain in Wales, where 
we found the ruins of the Parliament House of 
the heroic liberty-loving Christian, Owen Glyn- 
dwr, the decayed walls of Kenirev Abbey, the 
Torrent and Precipice walks, an old parish 
church, two English and five Non-conformist 
chapels, our time was pleasantly and profitably 
employed, enjoying the grandest natural scenery 
in the Principality. 

The Congregational Union of Wales 
held its annual conference in Cwrn Rhondda, 
South Wales, a locality celebrated for its ex- 
tensive coal mines. As a representative of the 
American Sunday-School Union, a Welsh- 
American who could use in public address the 
grand old vernacular, I was very well received 
by this large and influential body of four hun- 
dred ministers and laymen. Three days were 
devoted to the reading of well-prepared papers, 



A SERIES OF CELEBRATIONS. 321 

and in preaching orthodox, eloquent, and in- 
structive sermons to crowded and enthusiastic 
congregations. 

One afternoon, Rev. T. Rees, D. D., of Swan- 
sea, author with Rev. John Thomas, D. D., of 
an elaborate history of Non-conformity in 
Wales, introduced me to the conference, but his 
introduction was until the last moment a per- 
plexity. He said : " In gathering material for 
my history, I had occasion to ask the favor from 
the Archbishop of Canterbury to examine some 
old records in the archives of the Lambeth 
Palace library in London. The favor was 
granted, and in my examination I found that 
John and Arthur Chidlaw of the town of Llan- 
fyllin, were fined forty-two shillings for allowing 
their domicile to be used as a conventicle. And 
now, I have the pleasure of introducing a lineal 
descendant of those stanch old Non-conformists 
of Huguenot origin, refugees from Britanny in 
France when the Edict of Nantes was revoked." 

This revelation was an embarrassment, a real 
confusion in my mind, but I delivered my 
address as best I could. As I sat down, the 
chairman came to me and said : 

" Another large chapel near by is crowded 
with people that want to hear you, and here is 
a minister who will take you there." 

With considerable crowding we got out of 



322 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

the chapel, and my second address was well 
received by my attentive hearers. In Wales, 
the subject of Sunday-schools never fails to 
interest the people, and this was much in my 
favor. 

The information given by Dr. Rees in regard 
to my ancestors, led me to visit places and to 
examine old records. I found that Rev. John 
Chidlaw (my father's uncle) had been pastor 
of the Crook's street chapel, Chester, from 1751 
to his death in 1800. Rev. Matthew Henry, the 
celebrated commentator, was a predecessor of 
my great uncle. Near the front door, in the 
church-yard, I found his grave, with this 
inscription on a slab of granite now broken in 
three pieces: 

44 REV. JOHN CHIDLAW, 

Died, April 18, 1800, 

Aged 76 years. 9t 

The janitor showed me two solid silver 
goblets used in the communion service with 
this inscription : 

44 THE LEGACY of MRS. MARY BE VAN, 

IN 1745, 

TO THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

AT CROOK'S STREET, CHESTER." 

The church is now Unitarian, has a large 
endowment, and supports an alms-house for 
aged and impoverished people, that stands in 



A SERIES OF CELEBRATIONS. 323 

the church-yard ; but the congregation is small, 
and the church feeble. I called on the pastor, 
a very pleasant gentleman, rather discouraged 
in his pastorate. 

Labors in Wales. Accepting invitations 
to preach in the Welsh language, and to 
participate in Sunday-school centenary memorial 
services, kept me employed for nearly two 
months, delighted with the people with whom 
I was associated, the interest taken in our 
meetings, and the opportunities for usefulness 
that I enjoyed. 

At Denbigh, a large town in the vale of 
Clwyd, the garden spot of Wales, the cen- 
tenary was enthusiastically observed. As all 
of the Non-conforming population united, the 
Sundaj^-school host was out in its strength. 
The rich and poor, old and young, master and 
servant, attended the chapel Sunday-school, so 
they formed in a grand line, a detachment of 
3000 teachers and scholars and with banners 
and song they paraded the streets and halted at 
the " Y Groes " (the cross) on a public square, 
formed in compact order, sang two Welsh 
hymns, and listened to several short addresses. 
Then the crowd dispersed in seven divisions to 
as many halls and chapels, where they were 
refreshed with tea, a bara breth (tea and fruit 
bread), the usual Welsh menu for such occa- 



324 THE STOHY OF MY LIFE. 

sions, abundant and delicious. I visited several 
of these tea parties, and I never witnessed the 
social element of the Sunday-school work more 
happily developed and enjoyed. 

In a large hall, when tea was over, perfect 
order prevailing, I thought the crowd was in 
temper and tune, ready for a Welsh Sunday- 
school song. At my request, a favorite and well- 
known hymn was rendered with all the fervor 
and sweet melody of these Welsh hearts and 
voices inspired by the love of Christ, the Bible 
and the Bible school. The last verse was 
repeated over and over again, and the excite- 
ment bordered on what in the days of western 
camp-meetings, pure and simple, we used to 
call " rousements," yet there was no confusion 
or disorder, but a high tide of religious emo- 
tions in full flow. 

In the procession I observed a large class of 
laboring men, most of them in middle life. On 
inquiry, I found that it was a Bible class 
seventy strong, gathered into one of the schools, 
taught and held by a young woman of intelli- 
gence, apt to teach, and consecrated to her 
chosen work of Bible teaching, helping these 
men heavenward. 

During my sojourn in the land of chapels, 
Bibles, Sunday-schools, Sabbath observance, 
and a pure literature (no infidel or immoral 



A SERIES OF CELEBRATIONS. 325 

publications have ever been published in the 
Welsh language) the power and elevating 
moral and social influence of Christianity on 
family life was everywhere seen and felt. 

On a summer day, as I was walking on the 
highway, I saw a flow of clear pure water gush- 
ing out of a ledge of rocks. I desired to enjoy 
the limpid beverage, but could not reach it. 
On the road side, in front of a cottage, were a 
group of children. I asked the eldest if she 
would let me have a cup. In her pure Welsh, 
with a sweet voice, she said : 

" Yes, sir. Please take a chair in the house, 
and I will bring you some water." 

I did so, and seeing a rather dilapidated 
Bible on a table, I took it in my hand. Just 
then, the little girl brought me the water, and 
passed on. Soon she returned with a large and 
well bound Bible, and said, holding the Bible : 

" Sir, this is our best Bible. The one you 
hold is mother's every-clay Bible." 

This is just what is needed in all our homes, 
cottage or palace, " Mother's every-day Bible," 
to bless, purify, and elevate domestic life, to 
save our children, and to secure and perpetuate 
morality and religion in the world. 

Home Again. Early in September, 1880, 
refreshed in body and mind, and enriched in 
Christian experience, we left our kind friends 



326 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

in Wales, had a prosperous voyage, pleasant 
companions, and a safe return to our country, 
home, and work. In New York, I had a very 
pleasant interview with Mr. E. S. Jaffray, a 
prominent merchant of that city, who for many 
years had sustained my Sunday-school mission, 
whose confidence and liberality cheered my 
heart and strengthened my hands in my mis- 
sionary work, and still in word and deed he 
bids me " God-speed " as the servant of God. 

Under these circumstances, though the bur- 
den of years was resting lightly on me, I 
resumed my old lines of work as missionary of 
the American Sunday-School Union, serving the 
State as trustee of Miami University and of the 
Reform-school for Boys, and doing what I 
could in behalf of criminals, paupers, old and 
young, the outcast and the fallen. Often dis- 
appointed and discouraged in these labors, and 
almost fainting in the way by my failures, my 
confidence in God and in my fellow-men has 
never utterly failed. My investment of time, 
heart, and hand, for Christ's sake, in the cause 
of sin-burdened, ignorant, hardened, and 
degraded humanity, has paid. A boy or girl 
rescued from an evil life, a pauper aided to 
relieve himself of pauperism, and a criminal 
becoming a law-abiding, honest man, a good 



A SERIES OF CELEBRATIONS. 327 

citizen, are dividends of higher value than gold 
or silver, rejoicing the heart and honoring God. 

My Ordixatiox Remembered. The lapse 
of half a century did not erase from memory 
the name and services of a young pastor in the 
congregation where he was ordained in 1836. 
The descendants of the godly pioneers of 
Paddy's Run, among whom I labored in the 
gospel for six years in connection with my 
Sunday-school missionary service, invited me in 
May, 18S6, to a memorial meeting commemorat- 
ing my ordination fifty years before. My Sun- 
day-school boys and girls and their children 
were the strong men and women whose shoul- 
ders bore the ark of God, faithfully bearing the 
heat and burden of the day. Death had swept 
away all but two of the then members of the 
church. 

The services were held in the new, spacious, 
and beautiful house of the Lord, decorated 
with lovely and fragrant flowers, and crowded 
with an intelligent and sympathetic audience. 
One ex-pastor, Rev. Ellis Howell of Riley, and 
several neighboring ministers of different 
denominations were present. I read an histori- 
cal sketch of the church organized with four 
members in 1803, and biographical notices of 
ftiy predecessors, Rev. John W. Browne, Rev. 
Thomas Thomas, Rev. Rees Lloyd, and Rev. 



328 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Thomas Roberts, pioneer heralds of the cross, 
able and faithful ministers of the gospel among 
the log cabin homes in the valley of the Great 
Miami. 

After an interesting address by Rev. D. F. 
Davies, the present pastor, honoring the mem- 
ory of the departed and encouraging the living, 
and presenting the old pastor with an address, 
beautifully engrossed on parchment, a hand- 
some and bountiful collation was served in the 
grove, a feast replete with old-time friendship 
and sociability. 

A Family Celebration. On reaching the 
seventy-fifth mile-stone in the journey of life, in 
our pleasant home my beloved wife, as usual, 
commemorated my birthday. In addition to 
the gathering of our own children and grand- 
children, her goodness of heart and sympathy 
with children, secured the presence of the boys 
and girls of the " Children's Home " in Cincin- 
nati to share with us the festivities of the day. 
M. E. Ingalls, Esq., president of the Big Four 
Railway, kindly furnished transportation for 
forty children and their attendants. At our 
station, eighteen miles out, farm wagons and 
carriages met our guests, and the ride of a mile 
was greatly enjoyed. Entering our grove, 
carpeted with green sod and overshadowed by 
old forest trees, these little folks full of life and 




JL76. t?&ct/« 



hJ cUc<uxs~ 



A SERIES OF CELEBRATIONS. 331 

glee, scrambled out of the wagons, and as one 
of them said " pitched in for fun." Soon one 
of them found some sleigh bells. Throwing the 
strap over his shoulders, and calling lustily for 
followers, he started on a run. The larger chil- 
dren fell in line, and, with shouts, made several 
rounds, merry as crickets, a hopeful beginning 
for a good time in their outing. 

After partaking of country bread and butter, 
with plenty of pure rich milk, they amused 
themselves in plays and games. I took some 
of the larger boys to a field, where harvesting 
was going on. One of them, holding several 
heads of wheat in his hands, said to his com- 
rade : " Johnnie, this is what bread is made of." 

44 No," said Johnnie, "you cannot fool me. 
How can bread be made out of that hairy kind 
of stuff?" 

Incredulous Johnnie appealed to me, if it was 
so. The boys gathered around me, attentive 
listeners, while I explained the threshing, grind- 
ing and baking. Satisfied with the information 
given, they watched the self-binder with new 
interest. 

At noon, the children were called to dinner. 
A long table was extemporized in the grove, the 
boys on one side and the girls on the other. 
After repeating in concert the 23rd Psalm and 
the Lord's Prayer, they with a good appetite 



332 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

and a cheerful heart, partook of chicken pot- 
pie, cold ham, vegetables, and the et ceteras. 
Their manners would have honored any dining- 
room in the land. Before leaving, at the close 
of the day so pleasantly spent, they were 
treated to lemonade, cake and ice-cream, home- 
made. When in the wagons, ready to leave, 
they gave with a will three hearty cheers for 
Mrs. Chidlaw, and left us, singing one of their 
favorite songs. To us, the day was filled with 
pleasure, and we were sure that our guests, 
homeless and dependent, so well cared for at 
the " Childrens' Home," and their kind attend- 
ants were equally delighted with the day spent 
in the country, its novelties and amusements. 

Sunday-school Golden Anniversary. 
In June, 1886, the State Sunday-school Con- 
vention was held in Troy, a large and beautiful 
town in the Miami valley, Rev. J. A. P. McGaw, 
D.D., of Toledo, presiding. Nearly all the 
counties in the State were represented. The 
report, read by the secietary, Rev. C. N. 
Pond of Oberlin, showed the good results in 
uniting and concentrating the Sunday-school 
forces in the State. 

In the afternoon of the second day, I was 
invited to a seat on the platform, and, to my 
surprise, the president announced, "that the 
first hour would be devoted to a golden anni- 



A SERIES OF CELEBRATIONS. 333 

versary, commemorating fifty years of Sunday- 
school missionary service in Ohio and Indiana 
by the venerable servant of God now at my 
side." Then, in behalf of the convention, he 
presented me with the following engrossed 
address, signed by over two hundred active, 
faithful and successful Sunday-school officers, 
teachers, and friends all over the State. 

"Dear Brother and Friexd: — As delegates to the 
Ohio State Sunday-school Union Convention, representing 
all parts of our great Commonwealth, we cannot sutler the 
half century of work which Divine Providence has per- 
mitted you to do among us, to close without giving expres- 
sion to our appreciation and esteem. 

" As the representative of the American Sunday-School 
Union, you largely laid the foundations of the Sunday- 
school work of our State, amid the dangers, and privations 
of frontier life. The monuments of your early sacrifices 
and labors stand in every portion of the State. In almost 
every county in Ohio your voice has been heard, pleading 
for the children, and not pleading in vain. 

" We come, therefore, to express our appreciation of 
all these arduous labors, to thank you for the beneficial 
influences they have brought into our own lives, and to 
assure you of our high esteem and kindly affection. We 
congratulate you, that you have lived long enough to see 
the tearful time of sowing give place to a glad and an 
abundant harvest. 

14 We congratulate you, that the generation of children 
whom you loved, and for whom you labored, are to-day 
crowding about you, speaking your name in cadence of 
affection ; and what is better, taking up the work you 
begun, and realizing for you ambitions whose realization 
no single life can compass. 

<k We congratulate you, that labors and years have not 
brought weariness, but perennial freshness and power, 

11 We hope, that the Indian summer of your life may be 
bright and golden, and made happy by the contemplation 
of the many sheaves you have brought into the Master's 
garner. We cherish the hope, that you may be permitted 



334 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

long to remain among us, to counsel and to inspire. Should 
not many of us look upon your face any more upon earth, 
we trust to see you in the eternal y outhfulness of the celes- 
tial body that awaits you. 

" Accept this tribute of respect, admiration and love we 
bring you to-day, representing as we do, not only ourselves, 
but the great army of Sunday-school workers in the State 
of Ohio." 

At a later hour the adults retired, the Sun- 
day-school scholars of Troy marched into the 
church with glad hearts, banners, and song. 
Again I was called to the platform to address 
the juvenile throng. As I sat down fifty young 
girls dressed in white came to the platform, 
bearing significant and lovely floral offerings, 
1836-1886, a Bible, and a crown, which they 
gracefully presented to the old missionary, 
and in concert recited an original poem written 
for the occasion. 

An old comrade in arms, Surgeon O. O. 
Nixon, M. D., of the 39th O. V. I., now editor 
of the " Chicago Inter-Ocean," refers to this 
occasion, and writes : 

4 'The venerable Dr. B. W. Chidlaw, of Cleves, Ohio, at 
the late State Sunday-school Convention held in Troy, 
Ohio, was presented with floral offerings by the youth of 
Troy, and a memorial address by the convention in com- 
memoration of fifty years of Sunday-school missionary 
work in the State, laboring for the American Sunday- 
School Union. Dr. Chidlaw was chaplain of the Thirty- 
Ninth Ohio during the war, and was one of the active and 
patriotic men who exerted a large influence in moulding 
public sentiment. Few men have more faithfully and 
modestly and heroically filled a larger place. To all the 
old soldiers of his command, he is their ideal man." 



A SERIES OF CELEBRATIONS. 335 

The First Settlement of Ohio. At the 
end of the first century of the history of our 
great and prosperous State, on the State Fair 
Grounds near Columbus, extensive buildings 
were erected, and special preparations made for 
the centennial celebration. Ohio, in her agri- 
cultural and mineral resources — in the enter- 
prise, industry and skill of her citizens — in art 
and science — in education and religion — made 
an imposing display. Days were appointed for 
special gatherings and services. Among these 
was the Sunday-school day, recognizing the 
institution as an important factor in the educa- 
tional, moral, and religious welfare of society. 
Invited by the committee of arrangements, I 
was present on that day, and delivered an 
address on the past, present, and future of the 
Sunday-school in Ohio. 

The Coliseum, with a seating capacity of 
4000, was crowded with representatives of the 
700,000 teachers and scholars in the State, 
besides the thousands of people the building 
could not accommodate. This great outpour- 
ing of adults and youth, pervaded by a patriotic 
and religious spirit, so enthusiastic, the singing 
and praying and addresses made the Sunday- 
school day notable and long to be remembered. 

Flood in the Ohio Valley. In 1883, for 
ten days an unprecedented flood swept through 



336 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

the Ohio valley, and its devastation was felt by 
a hundred thousand sufferers in the loss of 
property, but as far as known not a human life 
was lost. I reached my home on the last train 
before the railroad became impassible, and was 
water-bound for nearly two weeks. We suf- 
fered no loss, but much inconvenience for the 
want of communication with the outside world. 
During the flood the weather was unusually 
mild, " The Lord sat on the flood," and the 
people compelled to flee from their homes were 
mercifully preserved in their exposure from 
death. 

As soon as the water subsided and I could 
reach Cincinnati, I made my way afoot, on 
horse-back, and in a boat, from North Bend to 
the city, a distance of fifteen miles. The work 
of ruin was fearful. The sufferers were labor- 
ing people, living in shanties. These were 
crushed by driftwood or washed away, and their 
occupants were sheltering as best they could 
with those who, on ground above the flood, had 
not been driven from their homes. 

At the request of the Relief Committee in 
Cincinnati, I volunteered to examine the con- 
dition of the sufferers along the Ohio from 
Delhi to the Gravel Pit, a distance of ten miles, 
and those who suffered from the back-water of 
the Ohio river. At once, amid mud and debris, 



A SERIES OF CELEBRATION'S. 337 

I performed the duty and reported. I was then 
invited to be the almoner of their relief, in- 
structed to afford such aid in money as would 
enable the sufferers to re-occupy their damaged 
or destroyed dwellings — to help them to help 
themselves. 

On the side of a hill, in sight of his shattered 
house, sad and disconsolate, I found an honest 
industrious man that I had known for years. 
A carpenter was with me. We carefully exam- 
ined the wreck, and he thought $45 would 
repair the damage. I asked the man what he 
could do to help himself. 

" I have no money and no work. I am very 
bad off." 

I contracted with the carpenter to do the 
work, and when satisfactorily finished he would 
be paid. Another man, his wife and children, 
whose shanty had been demolished, and parts 
of it carried away, was in straits and discour- 
aged. He was a reliable man, but very poor. 
He said : 

" I paid twenty dollars for my shanty a few 

months ago, and now it will take fifteen dollars 

at least to fix it so that we can live in it. I 

have no money to buy boards and nails, and at 

present I have no work. If I had boards and 

nails I could soon fix it up." 

I handed him fifteen dollars, and a more sur- 
22 



338 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

prised and grateful man I never saw, and his 
poor wife wept for joy, thankful to the Relief 
Committee for the help thus unexpectedly 
received. In three days, carefully examining 
the condition of thirty-five families, I afforded 
according to my best judgment such relief as 
met their present necessities. 

A steamboat sent with a valuable cargo of 
provisions, groceries, clothing, shoes and bed- 
ding by the United States Government was 
timely, and afforded greatly needed aid all 
along the destructive pathway of the flood. 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sunday-school Mis- 
sionary Convention. F. G. Ensign of Chi- 
cago, the efficient and successful missionary 
superintendent for the American Sunday-School 
Union in the North-west, invited me as an old 
fellow-laborer to attend a missionary conven- 
tion to be held at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Nov. 4, 
1886. Thirty missionaries in the North-west 
district were in attendance, and a large number 
of prominent and active Sunday-school workers 
from different parts of that great field. Gov. 
Merrill of Iowa, presided, a Christian statesman 
and philanthropist, and a special friend of the 
Sunday-school cause. 

It was highly gratifying to meet these co- 
laborers, fresh from their work amid the sod 
houses of Nebraska and the dug-outs of Dakota, 



A SERIES OF CELEBRATIONS. 339 

the prairies of Kansas and the pineries of 
Michigan. Popular addresses were delivered to 
large congregations by Rev. Dr. Goodwin of 
Chicago, Rev. G. H. Griffin of Springfield, 
Massachusetts, Thomas Cochran, Esq., of St. 
Paul, Minnesota, and other able advocates of 
the mission of the American Sunday-School 
Union for the Christian education and evan- 
gelization of the heterogeneous and destitute 
population of the North-west. 

The most of our time for four days was spent 
in conference with special reference to the 
extension and permanency of our work in 
establishing and sustaining schools. One session 
of four hours was devoted to the relation of 
personal experience, how we entered the mis- 
sionary service and our methods of work. This 
was a royal feast of " fat things, a feast of wine 
on the lees, of fat things full of marrow." The 
experience of these brethren reminded me of 
my own among the log cabins of Ohio and 
Indiana half a century ago. One of these 
brethren, Rev. G. P. Williams, of Bismarck, 
Dakota, in relating his experience, said : 

"I was brought up in Ohio, near Marietta. 
My parents were religious, and concerned for 
the salvation of their children. I attended and 
delighted in our Sunday-school, was converted 
in early life, and united with the church. I 



340 THE STOKY OF MY LIFE. 

worked with my father with no settled purpose 
respecting the use I would make of my life. A 
strange minister preached in our church a ser- 
mon in behalf of the American Sunday-School 
Union, describing its missionary work, and the 
great need of Sunday-schools all over the 
country. My mind became prayerfully inter- 
ested in this missionary work. I entered on a 
course of education, and in due time became a 
missionary. That strange preacher was our 
veteran fellow-laborer, Brother Chidlaw." 

I heard this statement with thanksgiving to 
God for the honor conferred upon me, in lodging 
the claims of Christian duty in the mind and 
heart of my youthful hearer ; and now, to greet 
him a successful and devoted Sunday-school 
missionary in the wilds of Dakota. Our con- 
vention socially and religiously, was of great 
advantage to all its members ; and we separated, 
our hearts warmed and encouraged, our spirit- 
ual life invigorated and our zeal inspired to 
do more and better work for the Master. 



CHAPTER XV. 

ABOUNDING IN LABOKS. 

THE Valley Camp. Near Pittsburg was the 
place where the delegates of the Christian 
Commission and army chaplains held their 
tenth reunion, July, 1887. Geo. H. Stuart pre- 
sided with his usual affability and efficiency. 
Our ranks were thinning out and were so scat- 
tered, that the attendance was small ; but 
the public services were well attended by 
interested visitors. A Confederate chaplain was 
present, an earnest Christian and gifted in 
speech. His society and addresses did us all 
good. 

One day, in addressing an audience on the 
part taken by the women as ministering angels 
in our hospitals, I described the diet kitchen at 
Nashville, where I found several ladies from 
Pittsburg, at work preparing and distributing 
nutritious food and delicacies among the sick 
and wounded soldiers. At the close of my 
address a gentleman came to the platform, and 
said : 

14 One of those ladies who served God and 

(341) 



34:2 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

her country in the diet kitchens at Nashville, is 
present and desires to shake hands with the old 
chaplain, her fellow-laborer in the Cumberland 
Hospital." I was delighted to be introduced to 
Miss Morehead, a noble Christian lady, a genuine 
sister of charity, patriotic and self sacrificing in 
her labors of love. 

Death in the Family. September 14th, 
1886, suddenly, and to us very unexpectedly, 
our dear daughter, Mary Irene, wife of Charles 
A. Wood, Esq., departed this life. Her " sun 
went down while it is yet day." A graduate 
of the Western Female Seminary, Oxford, 
Ohio, brought up in the nurture and admoni- 
tion of the Lord, and an early convert, her 
life from childhood was hid with Christ, in God, 
and faithfully devoted to his service. In the 
relation of daughter, sister, wife and friend, she 
was filial, devoted, true, and kind. Her life 
was a continued sunshine of domestic happiness, 
cheer and usefulness. 

The Womans' Home and Foreign Missionary 
Society of the Cleves Presbyterian church, in 
regard to her character and life, passed the fol- 
lowing : 

" Resolved, that we deem it due to the memory of Mrs. 
Mary Chidlaw Wood, and as a record of the valuable 
service she rendered to the cause of missions, to make 
known in this public manner the appreciation of the society 
of her efficient service as our secretary since the society 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 343 

was organized ; and for the many valuable papers she pre- 
pared and read at our meetings ; and that we extend to 
her bereaved husband, and to the members of her father's 
bouse, our sympathy and prayers. " 

She possessed a literary and a poetic taste, 
which she assiduously cultivated for her own 
benefit and that of others. 

A dear friend lost by death, a sweet and 
promising child five years of age, Edna Pearl 
H., for her consolation of the bereaved mother 
she wrote the following lines. They were read 
with wonderful pathos at her funeral by Rev. 
D. F. Davis. Then the sweet poetry had be- 
come a reality to the now sainted writer. 

"not lost but goxe before." 

" In that fair celestial city, 
Whose streets are of purest gold, 

Where sorrow never enters, 
Whose glories are untold ; 

" There angels bright were gathering 
Jewels most precious, and rare, 

A crown with their gems adorning, 
For the King of kings to w^ar. 

11 One jewel, now was lacking, 

A pearl most pure and bright 
Worthy to adorn his crown, and shine 

In heaven's vast halls of light. 

11 So, a white-winged heavenly messenger 
Down to our earth takes flight ; 

And, he finds a pearl of beauty 
Purer than morning's light. 



344 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

" He gathers the pearl in his bosom, 

Cloud curtains are drawn aside ; 
And he bears thy l Pearl ' to heaven 

Through sunset gates open'd wide. 
" O heart overburdened with sorrow, 

With grief to the earth bowed down, 
Leave thy ' Pearl 7 in the Saviour's keeping 

Lent, to adorn his crown." 

Death Invades the Home. In the spring 
of 1888, evidence of failing health excited 
alarm in regard to my beloved wife, and soon 
our apprehensions culminated in the conviction 
that she was suffering from a fatal malady. 
Aware of her condition, she was resigned to 
the will of God — a patient, uncomplaining suf- 
ferer. She enjoyed the best medical treatment, 
kind and faithful nursing ; but, all of no avail, 
her days on earth were soon to be numbered, 
and her precious life would close in death. Al- 
ways in good health, vigorous, cheerful and 
happy, we could with difficulty realize that she 
was passing the dark valley, to leave her earthly 
for her heavenly home. 

At the age of sixty-two years she died peace- 
fully, July 3, 1888. For forty and six years 
she had been my true and loving wife, the joy 
of my heart, and the light of my home. All 
that a husband could desire in happy compan- 
ionship, sympathy and helpfulness, he realized 
in her character, life, and conversation. To me 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 345 

her death was an irreparable loss ; but to her 
an eternal gain. 

The " Cincinnati Commercial Gazette " of 
the 4th had this memorial : 

11 The death of Mrs. Eebecca Hughes Chidlaw, wife of 
Rev. B. W. Chidlaw, at her pleasant home near Cleves, 
made a profound impression on that community where she 
was born and always resided. She possessed many of the 
virtues which adorn female character and secure a noble 
and useful life. The heart of her husband safely trusted in 
her. She made the world better by her unselfish life and 
devotion to the wants and interests of humanity. Her 
religious life commenced in her youth, and for fifty years 
she honored her profession, exemplified the spirit and teach- 
ings of her Saviour, and died triumphantly in the faith. 
She left her aged and sorrow-stricken husband, her chil- 
dren and children's children, the inheritance of a good 

name and a useful, honored life." 

• 

Revs. Street, Davies and Carson, dear breth- 
ren in the Lord, conducted the funeral service ; 
and six of our grandsons were the pall-bearers 
that carried the remains of their venerated 
grandmother to the Berea cemetery, and with 
loving hands laid her to rest with her three 
children and her honored parents, brothers and 
sisters, till the day of immortal awakening. 

While the empty chair at home, and the new- 
made grave at Berea told of my great loss, and 
burdened my heart with grief, God mercifully 
came to my relief. The numerous letters of 
condolence from friends all over the country, 
the loving ministrations of my children and 
neighbors, and resuming my usual labors 



346 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

cheered my heart and alleviated my sorrow. 
These were a rift in the cloud, and the sunshine 
of divine favor brightened my sky, and, in his 
light, I saw light, and could say, "it is the 
Lord." I kissed the rod, and rejoiced in tribu- 
lation, thankful for the support and comfort 
that sustained me. 

Old Ocean Visited. To us who suffer 
from malaria, and need rest, an escape from the 
Miami valley to the coast of New Jersey dur- 
ing the heated term is a great blessing as well 
as pleasant recreation. At Asbury Park, inhal- 
ing pure oxygen, fanned by the ocean breezes, 
and lulled to sleep by the music of its waves* 
we found health and rest. Swimming in smooth 
water beyond the breakers, rocked in the cradle 
of the deep, I greatly enjoyed, quartered pleas- 
antly in the " Curlew House " where God was 
honored, and the guests met daily around the 
family altar, in sweet Christian fellowship, soul 
and body were refreshed and cheered. 

Pbeaching to Soldiers. While entering 
and enjoying my new surroundings at Asbury 
Park, I was invited to hold divine service in 
Camp Green, at Sea Girt. The preparation of 
a sermon gave me employment that I found 
very pleasant, reviving many and interesting 
memories of my chaplainship in the 39th 
O. V. I. 



ABOUNDING IN LABOKS. 347 

On Saturday afternoon I reported for duty. 
Colonel Cooper, of the 5th N. J. National Guards, 
received me with the warm-hearted greeting of 
a soldier, and I was assigned quarters in the 
chaplain's tent. Pleasantly domiciled in my 
well-furnished and comfortable quarters I felt 
much at home. Messing with the officers 
brought me in contact with Christian gentlemen 
of high character. On my cot I rested well 
till the reveille Sunday morning. The quarter- 
master had a programme published with three 
hymns and responsive scriptural reading. 

At 11 A. M. the church call was sounded, 
and my congregation soon assembled on the 
parade ground, each soldier with his camp 
stool and printed programme. The audience 
was large and seated in a hollow square pre- 
senting an inspiring scene to the eye and heart 
of the old chaplain. Gov. Green, Generals 
Perine and Sewell with their staff officers were 
on my left and a large number of visitors on 
my right. My pulpit was extemporized by the 
drummer boys placing two drums, one on the 
other, and covering them with an india rubber 
blanket. Our singing was led by the regi- 
mental band, the soldiers joining heartily. 

My sermon w T as founded on the text 
" Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord ; 
and the people whom he hath chosen for his own 



348 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

inheritance." Ps. 33 : 12. Our closing hymn, 
" Guide me O thou great Jehovah," was ren- 
dered with fervor and voice that expressed the 
tone of religious feeling pervading the congre- 
gation, worshipping God beneath the canopy of 
his own heavens in a great military encamp- 
ment. I was delighted to find so many of these 
soldiers and officers brethren in Christ, his 
avowed followers with their banners on the 
outer wall on the tented field. 

A Wigwam Meeting. Lest, while resting 
at the park I should rust, I was privileged to 
attend a county Sunday-school convention near 
Jamesburg. A lovely grove and an immense 
wigwam surrounded by tents was our Bethel, 
and it was crowded. Pastor Everett was our 
leader, and he was equal to the occasion. Sev- 
eral addresses were delivered with good sing- 
ing, and followed with a plentiful dinner. The 
leader gave the crowd an hour and a half for 
what he called " visiting." From the general 
hand-shaking that followed and the lively con- 
versations, these Jersey people were all friends, 
and very friendly, and the convention a good 
place to enjoy such a social feast. 

At the close of these enjoyable services, 
rather wearied with the work and excitement 
of the day, I was invited to visit and spend the 
night at the New Jersey Reform-school for 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 349 

Boys, a few miles away. With the superin- 
tendent, Mr. Osterman, his subordinates and 
his 300 boys, I was quite at home. We had 
chapel service in the evening and a serenade by 
the band before I retired. 

This school is located on a good, large farm, 
well cultivated. It is on the family plan; a 
home, and not a prison. The buildings are 
good and well arranged. The time of the boys 
is divided between labor, study and recreation, 
and a nice bed for eight hours of sleep. They 
are well fed, comfortably clothed, and under 
good wholesome discipline. This institution, 
so well managed, with its educational, reforma- 
tory and religious agencies faithfully employed, 
is an honor and a blessing to the state that 
supports it. 

The Presbyterian General Assembly. 
At the spring meeting of the Cincinnati Pres- 
bytery I was chosen one of its commissioners 
to the Assembly to meet in New York, May 16, 
1889. For this token of the confidence and 
kindness of my sixty-five ministerial brethren 
and the elders I felt truly grateful. The 
assembly numbered 500 commissioners. We 
were in session nearly two weeks, and trans- 
acted with despatch and harmony a large 
amount of important ecclesiastical business. 

Two subjects were prominent, the Board of 



350 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Publication and the revision of the standards. 
These subjects elicited a lively, fraternal and 
protracted discussion, and the end is not yet. 
Our social intercourse at the hotels where we 
were entertained by the way, and in the vesti- 
bule of the church was very cordial and genial. 
A seat in such an assembly, and fellowship 
with such brethren, is a red letter-day in the 
life of a gospel minister to be cherished with 
pleasure when toiling on his own field far, far 
away. 

Hospitality. The Presbyterians of New 
York, with their recognized liberality and 
kindness, gave the Assembly a grand reception 
in the Metropolitan Opera House. The ad- 
dresses and the collation, a royal feast, occupied 
three hours spent on the high places of Chris- 
tian sociability. Eliot F. Shepherd, Esq., a prom- 
inent citizen well known for his liberality and 
good deeds, invited the Assembly to an excur- 
sion on the steamer "Sirius." About 1000 
members of the Assembly and their friends, a 
very happy and sociable crowd were on board. 
We steamed up the Hudson several miles, 
delighted with the scenery. Entering the har- 
bor of New York, charmed with the sights on 
sea and shore, we made our course for the 
" Bruen Home " for aged ministers and their 
wives at Perth Amboy, where we spent an hour 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 351 

with twenty-five aged and worthy friends, com- 
fortable and cheerful, waiting for the rest that 
remaineth for the people of God. As we 
started for Sandy Hook, we were served with a 
very handsome lunch, and as the sea air had 
been a good appetizer, the repast was greatly 
enjoyed. 

The lower bay was enveloped in a dense fog, 
and to many who had never seen Old Ocean, it 
was a real disappointment. Cautiously steam- 
ing in the fog, we slowly made our way to port, 
delighted with our excursion. 

The Pious Pilgrimage. On the platform 
of the Assembly, Rev. Dr. Crosby, in his inim- 
itable way, tendered the invitation of the fac- 
ulty of the Theological Seminary to visit 
Princeton, which he felicitously called "the 
Westminster Abbey of Presbyterians." At the 
appointed place and hour, eight hundred mem- 
bers of the Assembly and invited friends met, 
boarded a special train, and in good time 
reached Princeton. Here we were at once 
invited to a splendid lunch elegantly served. 
We marched to Marquand Hall, and were 
addressed by President Patton, Rev. W. C. 
Roberts, D.D., moderator of the Assembly, and 
others. Then we visited the buildings, looked 
into the library, rambled in the beautiful 
grounds, listened to the songs and cheers of 



352 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

the college students, and made our way to our 
Westminster Abbey, the blue sky for its mag- 
nificent dome, and beneath its green sod, in 
peaceful slumbers, rest the honored fathers of 
the Presbyterian church, and patriots that laid 
the foundations of our independence and 
nationality. On this sacred spot we stood in 
silence, and with fresh courage renewed our 
vows to serve God, our country and our race. 

A Diversion. Returning to New York, I 
turned aside at Newark to spend the Sabbath 
at Madison, New Jersey, with Rev. Dr. Robert 
Aikman, the esteemed pastor of the Presby- 
terian church, who was the secretary of the 
Pearl street, New York, Presbyterian church, 
Sunday-school Missionary Society, and my cor- 
respondent in 1836, fifty-three years before, 
when I entered the missionary service of the 
American Sunday-School Union in Ohio. In 
his pleasant home with his kind family we spent 
Saturday evening, reviewing the way the Lord 
had led us and the blessed work he gave us to 
do, a good preparation for the Sabbath and its 
duties. 

In the forenoon, I preached in the old sanc- 
tuary of the fathers, a venerable and spacious 
edifice, where generations had been taught the 
knowledge of God, and rendered divine worship 
in the beauty of holiness. In the afternoon I 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 353 

addressed the large and interesting Sunday- 
school assembled in the new Webb memorial 
chapel, erected at a cost of 840,000 by one of his 
parishioners as a memorial of an only son, a very 
promising young man, a member of the Sunday- 
school and of the church, whose early death the 
community sincerely deplored. My address in 
the evening was a retrospect of my fifty-three 
years on my western missionary field. This 
closed a delightful day spent with the young 
secretary of 1836, now "in a good old age," 
having been over forty years in gospel work, 
beloved and useful in his large and influential 
congregation. Long may his bow abide in 
strength and his church grow and prosper. 

West Point. Appointed on the Board of 
Visitors by President Harrison, at the dissolu- 
tion of the General Assembly, May 29, I went 
to West Point to enter upon my new and 
untried duties, not without misgivings as to the 
performance of my duties in such a position. 
On reporting for duty I was cordially received 
by the superintendent, General T. G. Parke, 
and other officers. The Board consisted of 
General Lew. Wallace of Crawfordsville, Indi- 
ana ; Rev. A. E. Edwards, D.D., of Chicago ; 
Rev. B. W. Chidlaw, D.D., of Cleves, Ohio; 
Prof. L. Brown of Reno, Kansas : Dr. N. S. 
Lincoln of Washington, D. C. ; Prof. C. M, 

23 



354 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

Pinkerton of Perry, Iowa ; Captain Charles 
King, United States Army (retired) ; Hon. C. 
K. Davis, United States Senator, Minnesota; 
Hon. John W. Daniels, United States Senator, 
Virginia; Hon. S. M. Robertson, Member of 
Congress, Louisiana ; Hon. G. W. Steele, Member 
of Congress, Indiana, and Hon. S. S. Yoder, 
Member of Congress, Ohio. 

General Lew. Wallace was chosen to preside, 
and Rev. A. E. Edwards, D.D., secretary. 
With such gentlemen I felt quite at home, and 
with confidence entered upon the duties involved 
in the appointment. For several days our 
time was largely occupied in attending exami- 
nations in the various departments of study, 
delighted with the proficiency of the cadets, 
the skill and faithfulness of the professors. 
The tests were severe, but always fair. During 
our stay of nearly two weeks Lieutenants 
Dodd and Hodges, appointed by General 
Parke, rendered us valuable service, courteous 
and thoughtful, which greatly facilitated our 
labors, and made our visit very pleasant. 

Being on two sub-committees, "Discipline, 
and instruction " and " Cadet supply and 
expenditures," my time was fully occupied. 
Daily, in the afternoon, we witnessed military 
exercises by the cadets, infantry, artillery and 
cavalry drills, and battalion parades. In our 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 355 

hotel we had a large room where we frequently 
met for consultation and to hear the reports of 
the various committees. Our report when com- 
pleted by Dr. Edwards was presented to Con- 
gress, with several important recommendations, 
as we thought, for the benefit of the academy. 

The Sabbath day is well observed. Public 
worship is held in the chapel, conducted by the 
chaplain, and fairly attended. More than fifty 
years ago, when Rt. Rev. Bishop Mcllvaine was 
chaplain, a prayer-meeting conducted by the 
cadets was established, and is continued to this 
day. I attended on a week-day evening, and 
found in the Dialectic Hall nearly fifty cadets, 
one of their own number leading the meeting, 
and others engaging in oral prayer and remarks. 
By request, two of our Board of Visitors made 
short addresses, commending their faithfulness 
in religious duties, and exhorting them " to 
cleave unto the Lord with full purpose of 
heart." 

The Young Men's Christian Association num- 
bers 125 of the 250 cadets now at the academy. 
They have a reading-room well supplied with 
secular and religious papers. West Point, with 
its military academy, beautiful natural scenery 
and historic associations, is a charming place, 
and our sojourn there will be long cherished 
and remembered. 



356 the story of my life. 

The World's Sunday-school Conven- 
tion. Delegated by the American Sunday- 
School Union, and my daughter by the Ohio 
State Association, on the 13th of June, 1889, we 
embarked on the steamship " Nebraska " bound 
for Glasgow. We had fair weather, smooth 
sea, and a very pleasant voyage of ten days. 
We spent a week in reaching London from 
Glasgow, made the tour of the Trosachs, charm- 
ed with the lakes and mountains of Scotland. 
In Edinburg we visited the Castle, National 
Museum, Holyrood Palace, and John Knox's 
house. 

We spent a day in the city of York, the 
ecclesiastical center of Great Britain ; saw 
its magnificent cathedral, ancient monuments, 
crypt, stalls, and famous window. On the 
city wall, built in 1280, we had a fine view of 
the city and its beautiful environs, and a pleas- 
ant walk that prepared us for our tea and 
our rest at the Station hotel, a hostelry complete 
and comfortable in all of its appointments. We 
reached London rather refreshed by our jour- 
ney, found our lodgings in a private hotel, and 
on Sunday heard the distinguished pastors of 
the Metropolitan Tabernacle and the City Tem- 
ple, besides visiting two Sunday-schools and ad- 
dressing them. 

On Monday the roll of foreign delegates had 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 357 

358 names enrolled from the United States ; 69 
from Canada, and 439 from other foreign lands 
and the United Kingdom, a total of 866 Sun- 
day-school workers ; met, not in the interest of 
commerce, of science, or curiosity, but of Bible 
teaching and the advancement of Christianity 
all over the world. That evening, the Lord 
Mayor of London tendered us a reception in 
the Mansion House. The great Egyptian room 
was crowded with delegates. John Edward 
Tresidder, Esq., the senior secretary of the 
London Sunday-school Union, called me out 
of the crowd, and in a private room intro- 
duced me to his Lordship as the oldest del- 
egate from the United States, fifty-three 
years a Sunday-school missionary. His honor 
received me cordially, and inquired how old I 
was. I replied that I was just entering my 
seventy-ninth year. Rather astonished, he said : 

" How well you are preserved ! If I attain 
your age, and have your vigor, I shall be very 
thankful to God." 

Such words falling from the lips of the chief 
magistrate of London fell very pleasantly on 
my ears and cheered my heart. Tuesday' morn- 
ing the convention assembled in the Memorial 
Hall, Hon. B. F. Belsey of London in the chair. 
After uniting in a hymn of praise, I was invit- 
ed to the platform to offer prayer. Addresses 



358 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

were made by a delegate from France, Dr. John 
Hall of New York, and Dr. Cuyler of Brook- 
lyn, For the want of room our subsequent 
sessions were held in the City Temple, High 
Holborn. The ground floor was occupied by 
the delegates, and the extensive galleries by 
visitors. The first half hour each day was spent 
in prayer and praise. 

In looking over the assembled delegates, one 
in Christ, the unity of believers all over Chris- 
tendom was an idea that thrilled my soul, and 
the evidence of the extent of the Sunday-school 
cause and its influence on the circulation and 
study of the Bible was an inspiring power full 
of encouragement. Among the nobility that 
participated in our meetings Lord Kinnard, the 
Earl and Countess of Aberdeen, and Count 
Bernstorff of Germany were often seen and 
heard from the platform. Ladies from the 
United States were frequently heard, command- 
ing the hearing and securing the applause 
of the audience ; while our American brethren, 
lay and clerical, were often heard in stirring 
talks on practical subjects. 

Delegates from Continental Europe that 
could use the English language, brought cheer- 
ing intelligence of the extension and success of 
the work of teaching the Bible. From India, 
China, Australia and Cape Colony, business men 






ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 359 

and returned missionaries brought glad tidings 
from afar of the progress and usefulness of 
Sunday-schools. The delegate from India made 
a strong appeal for help to plant Sunday-schools 
in that distant land. In response the salary of 
of a missionary for three years was pledged. 

The Fourth of July. On our glorious 
natal day the services of the convention closed 
at an early hour, and three hundred American 
citizens, with a number of our English friends, 
took tea together beneath the folds of the old 
flag — the red, white and blue. The American 
feeling, though in a foreign land, found a warm 
and eloquent expression in the extempore 
speeches of that warm-hearted American Irish- 
man bishop of the Fifth avenue church in New 
York, the princely merchant that devises many 
ways for liberal deeds for Christ and his church 
in Chicago, and the good man that writes such 
good articles as Tie sits under the catalpa in 
Brooklyn. These red-hot patriotic speeches 
made up the lack of fire-works and the roar of 
artillery. I can safely say for all present we 
had a gloriously good time and enjoyed it. 

Another Entertainment. The next feast 
we enjoyed was a public breakfast in Exeter 
Hall provided by George Williams, Esq., a 
wealthy merchant, the founder of the Young 
Men's Christian Association, a leader and a 



360 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

strong helper in every good work in the Metro- 
polis and the regions beyond. The menu was 
more like a regular dinner than a breakfast, and 
the speeches were certainly worthy of being 
classified with the best " post prandial " perform- 
ances. 

On Saturday afternoon, at the invitation of 
the Earl of Aberdeen, the members of the con- 
vention and a host of friends left London on a 
special train for Dollis Hill, his country palace, 
twelve miles out. The noble Christian family, 
parents and children, beneath a majestic tree in 
the park, gave us a royal welcome, and in a 
large pavilion we shared their elegant and 
generous hospitality. Then came music, Scotch 
bagpipes and a band of boys from a neighbor- 
ing orphanage, extempore speeches, rambles 
over the extensive and lovely park, and a safe 
return to London, delighted with our outing. 

After the convention, we spent two weeks in 
London, visiting prisons, hospitals, the Bridge 
of Hope, Ratcliff's Highway, where the fallen 
and outcast find an open door to a life of purity 
and godliness, and where the work of rescuing 
the perishing is so highly blessed. I only 
preached once in London, in the Fetter Lane 
Welsh chapel where the services are conducted 
in the old vernacular. The congregation was 
large, made up of emigrants from Wales. The 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 361 

pastor, Rev. O. Evans, D.D., is doing a good 
work, and the church enjoys prosperity. This 
church had recently purchased a large and sub- 
stantial chapel near King's Cross, that originally 
cost $80,000, for less than half that amount, and 
expected soon to occupy it improved and beauti- 
fied at an additional cost of 66000. I under- 
stood that the Non-conforming Welsh churches 
in London, thirteen in number, have good con- 
gregations and excellent pastors, and a healthy 
spiritual condition. 

Our visit to London ended, I accepted an 
invitation to take a trip through England on 
my way to Wales. We first went to Ashford, 
Kent, sixty miles from London. The ride 
through the country, the sight of hop-fields and 
strawberry plantations, men and women hay 
harvesting, with the fresh air made the trip 
delightful. On our arrival, we were escorted 
to a real nice English home, and hospitably 
treated. The town has a beautiful cemetery, 
large railroad shops, fine chapels, an Established 
church, and thrifty, moral and religious popula- 
tion of fifteen thousand inhabitants. On Sun- 
d&y the Ashford Sundaj-school Union held its 
anniversary. The first meeting was held in 
the Corn Exchange, a mass gathering of adults. 
In the same place in the afternoon, eight Sun- 
day-schools assembled, a large, orderly and 



362 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

attentive congregation, and two addresses were 
delivered. In the evening, the largest chapel 
in town was well filled with adults and youths, 
who heard a discourse on Sunday-schools in 
America. The next day, we visited the ancient 
city of Canterbury, passed our time in the 
cathedral with its treasures of sacred antiqui- 
ties, the shrine of Thomas ^ Becket and the 
crypt chapel where the French Huguenots two 
hundred years ago held divine worship, and 
where a small remnant of their descendants still 
offer their devotions, and worship the God of 
their fathers. 

We also spent a Sabbath in Birmingham 
a great manufacturing city with a population 
of 400,000. I visited and addressed the Sun- 
day-school in Carr-Lane chapel, where Rev. 
John Angell James, the author of " The Anx- 
ious Inquirer Directed to Christ," so long and 
successfully labored. " The James Memorial 
Chapel " in the new part of the city, is the 
home of a strong and flourishing church. Here 
I saw a Bible class of 150 mechanics and 
laborers, a grand and inspiring sight. This city 
has been, and to some extent continues the 
stronghold of Unitarianism, but its power and 
influence is waning. 

From Birmingham we went to the old city 
of Chester, and spent a Sabbath participating 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 363 

in the anniversary services of the Chester Sun- 
day-school Union, large and enthusiastic meet- 
ings. Thence we went to Wales, the objective 
point of my travel. At Dolgelly, though my 
esteemed cousin had died, his widow and son 
received us kindly, and their pleasant home 
was our center of movements during our stay 
in the Principality. Feeling the need of rest, 
I did not engage in ministerial work as on my 
former visit. I would make short tours at 
pleasure, address Sunday-schools, and preach 
in Welsh occasionally. The tithe agitation is 
a distracting element ; the encroachment of the 
English language and English fashions, and, I 
regret to say, a low state of religion in the 
churches, seriously affected the interests of 
Christianity ; yet, I saw no special evidence of 
demoralization among the people, or defection 
from the religious faith of their godly ancestors 
among the ministers. 

I attended, by invitation, the annual meet- 
ing of the Welsh Congregational Union, at- 
tended by 500 lay and clerical delegates. It 
was held at Bethesda, a populous town in the 
center of the great slate quarries of Csenarvon- 
shire. T was entertained at the pleasant and 
Christian home of W. Pritchard, manager of 
the Lord Penryn slate quarries. A visit to this 
great bee-hive of industry, where 2500 men and 



364: THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

boys are employed on the side of a towering 
mountain, a new and novel sight, afforded me 
great pleasure. With a gentleman from Aus- 
tralia, I aided at a massSunda3 r -school meeting, 
heard several grand gospel sermons and excel- 
lent papers on matters pertaining to the present 
circumstances of the denomination, and its 
relation to the Government and the working 
men. 

This is one of the strongest and most influen- 
tial Non-conforming denominations in Wales. 
The statistics for 1888 show 1151 chapels, 
1028 churches, 624 pastors, 310 lay preachers, 
125,000 church members, 120,000 Sunday- 
school scholars, a college, and two theological 
seminaries. The Established Church of Eng- 
land in Wales is an alien church. Disestablish- 
ment is everywhere in the air, in the valleys, 
and on the mountains, in towns and in the 
country, and is surely to come to pass, a result 
that will certainly be favorable to the interests 
and progress of true Christianity in the church 
and in the chapel. 

The Queen of England. Her majesty, on 
her visit to Wales, attracted great attention. 
Her presence in Bala, my native place, at- 
tracted me with thousands of her loyal subjects 
among the mountains of North Wales. The 
quiet old town was astir as never before, nor 



ABOUNDING IN LABOKS. 365 

were the streets ever crowded with such throngs 
of people. From a platform in front of a 
dwelling I enjoyed a good view of Queen Vic- 
toria and other members of the royal family. 
She looked well, and was plainly dressed in 
black. Seated with Beatrice at her side in 
an open and magnificent carriage, she politely 
bowed her head and waved her hand as she 
passed through the dense mass of her Welsh 
subjects. The royal cortege stood at a plat- 
form crowded with dignitaries of the Church 
and State, where her majesty was presented 
with a splendid painting of Welsh scenery by a 
native artist, which she graciously received, 
with thanks. A sturdy Welshman, at my side 
said : 

"All this, is very well, only she did not 
speak in the Welsh language.'' 

Mottoes in both languages abounded; no 
cheers were heard, but plenty of Welsh singing, 
and a more orderly and respectful crowd could 
nowhere be found. I saw no drunkeness, and 
heard no profanity during the day, nor did I 
witness any disorder. 

After a pleasant and restful sojourn of a 
month in Wales, we left for Glasgow, to 
embark on the " Nebraska " the sixth of Sep- 
tember. We found on board fifty-one of the 
two hundred and thirteen who were our fellow- 



366 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

passengers from New York last June. We 
met as old friends, glad to see each other, and 
as we were on our chairs on the deck, we 
passed pleasant hours telling our experience as 
tourists in foreign lands, comparing notes, to 
ascertain who had the best of it. Some tall 
stories were related, a medley of experi- 
ences, pleasant and unpleasant; but, upon the 
whole, none of us had reason to complain, 
except of ourselves, and the mistakes we made. 
Stormy Voyage. Our voyage home was 
very different from the outward one. The 
third day out, we encountered a storm that 
continued three days. The second day out, a 
cabin passenger died. His wife found him 
dead in his berth. Our surgeon said lie died of 
acute pneumonia. The body was removed to 
the morgue, and prepared for burial, wrapped 
in canvas, with heavy weights at the feet, with 
an English flag around it. Thus prepared for 
its ocean grave, the body was placed on a 
board, one end resting on a trestle, the other 
on the side of the ship. A large number of 
passengers assembled on the stern deck to wit- 
ness the solemnity of a funeral at sea. The 
captain read the Episcopal burial service, and 
two sailors lifted the end of the board, and our 
fellow-passenger passed into his undug grave in 
the great deep. During the last part of the 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 367 

funeral service, the ship was stopped, and in 
every respect the occasion was solemn and 
impressive. 

The Gathering Storm. Soon after the funeral, 
the sky was overhung with massive dark clouds, 
and the wind howled as a requiem over the 
unmarked grave of our fellow-passenger. 
Through the night, I felt, as I lay sleepless in 
my berth, that indeed the tempest was on us, 
our great ship tossing and pitching at an un- 
usual rate. 

In the morning, at day dawn, I left my state- 
room, and by making the best use of my sea 
legs, and clutching everything available, I made 
the deck, and saw the mighty ocean lashed into 
fury by the breath of the storm. The sight was 
awe-inspiring and sublime. The waves were 
like huge sheets of foam as they dashed against 
the struggling vessel rushing through the angry 
billows. God above us, a competent and faith- 
ful captain on the bridge, and our ship strong 
as iron, removed all sense of danger, as, for 
three days, we battled with the warring elements. 

The return of calm weather and a smooth sea 
wrought wonders, state-rooms were abandoned, 
chairs and wraps in demand, seats at the table 
occupied, and once more sea life was an enjoy- 
ment. With a few others, old men, I kept out 
of my state-room during the day, and never 



368 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

failed to appear at the table, but owing to the 
commotion among the dishes, we ate our food 
under difficulties and in discomfort. 

Icebergs. A change in temperature heralded 
that we were in the neighborhood of icebergs. 
Soon word came from the bridge that they were 
in sight. All were now on the look-out for 
these wanderers from their Arctic homes. One 
immense berg with two lofty towers, white like 
snow, basking in the sunshine, stood on our 
starboard about a mile distant, drifting south- 
ward. Several smaller bergs accompanied this 
huge mass of ice, and together presented a 
grand and novel sight. The view, so distinct 
and satisfactory, of these icebergs, broke the 
monotony of the voyage, and afforded fruitful 
themes for discussion — many theories but few 
facts. As we had been greatly delighted to see 
these strangers from the North Polar regions, 
we were pleased when they disappeared beneath 
a clear sky. 

The ninth day out, a pilot boarded us — land 
in sight ! Yes, the land we love. Doctors and 
custom-house officers came aboard. A clean 
bill of health, and our baggage passed and 
chalked, we reached our dock, and were met by 
a kind friend with a carriage to take us to his 
hospitable home in New York. After a short 
rest, we journeyed west, and reached our home 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 369 

and loved ones in safety. At the twilight hour, 
I visited the Berea cemetery, where rests in 
peace my beloved wife and three children, 
beneath the green sod and lovely flowers, until 
the reunion not far hence, when " them, which 
sleep in Jesus will God bring with him " and 
he has said " where I am, there shall also my 
servant be." 

At Work Again. Called to perform the 
marriage ceremony. of a young couple in Rad- 
nor, my old and early home, I remained over 
the Sabbath, addressed three Sunday-schools, 
administered the Lord's supper, and in the even- 
ing preached a sermon to a crowded audience 
of young people. Sixty years ago I united with 
that Church, then worshipping in a log chapel, 
not one of its then members now living. Alone, 
I remained of that body of Christ, " which is 
the church," Col. 1 : 24. In the adjoining grave- 
yard on marble and granite, I read the honored 
names of the godly men and women who were 
my associates and helpers in the service of 
God. During this visit, from what I saw and 
heard, my confidence in the prosperity and 
perpetuity of the church of Christ was greatly 
strengthened and my soul was spiritually 
blessed. 

The State Institutions Visited. During 
the late autumn, the weather being pleasant 



370 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

and my health good, I spent nearly a month 
visiting and in Christian labors in several of 
these institutions. 

In the penitentiary at Columbus, with its 
prison population of 1410 males and 30 females, 
I, as usual, spent a Sabbath welcomed by the 
chaplain, Rev. J. H. De Bruen. The prison 
Sunday-school had 500 scholars. At the prayer- 
meeting I found nearly as many ; and, at the 
morning service, when all meet in the spacious 
chapel (one of the best audience rooms for pub- 
lic speaking in the country) I had the pleasure 
of preaching, of telling these brethren in bonds, 
of the freedom with which Christ makes his 
people free. The prison is evidently well man- 
aged. Its net income, from the labor of pris- 
oners was $13,899 last year, and what is bet- 
ter, special efforts are made to educate the illit- 
erate. The enrollment in the prison-school last 
year was 497, and these efforts are appreciated 
and improved by the prisoners. Moral and 
religious agencies are also employed to reform, 
and save these transgressors. 

During the ensuing week, I spent three days 
at the " Girl's Industrial Home " near Delaware, 
Ohio, where I found 300 juvenile delinquents, 
divided into seven families, each in charge of a 
matron, house-keeper, and teacher. In many 
respects these are model homes. The girls are 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 371 

well taught in domestic duties, go to school half 
of each day, and. are under good moral and relig- 
ious instruction and influence. Through the 
kindness of the superintendent I visited all 
these families, and their daily schools, and 
preached twice in the chapel. The Sunday- 
school work I found well sustained, and re- 
ceived a subscription for 300 copies of the Les- 
son Help, published by the American Sunday- 
School Union. 

The next Sabbath I spent with the 608 boys 
at the "Industrial School," a new name for the 
Reform School, near Lancaster. I led the Sun- 
day-school, the boys recited from memory the 
lesson text, promptly and accurately answered 
all the questions I asked, and I was greatly de- 
lighted with the continued interest and faith- 
fulness manifested in the Sunday-school work. 
As usual my juvenile hearers were attentive and 
interested in the chapel services and, I hope, 
heard the gospel to profit thereby. On Mon- 
day, I visited all the ten families and the daily 
schools, cheered by all that I saw. In the even- 
ing, the boys assembled in the chapel, and I 
told them the story of my travels abroad dur- 
ing the past summer. The superintendent, 
Hon. D. M. Barrett, authorized me to order 
from the American Sunday-School Union, 600 
copies of our Quarterly for the use of the boys 



372 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

in studying the lesson. The Sunday-school is 
here cherished and used with great advantage 
in the moral and religious instruction of these 
early wanderers into evil ways, and in reclaim- 
ing them to walk in the paths of virtue and 
religion. 

In the Cincinnati House of Refuge I found 
350 inmates, most of them quite young, but in 
need of the advantages of a safe home and good 
instruction. Here the Sunday-school flourishes. 
The children are encouraged to commit the 
scriptures to memory, and to study the text. 
When there on a Sabbath, I addressed the Sun- 
day-school and preached, delighted with the 
attention and interest of my juvenile hearers. 

I also spent a Sabbath at the City Work 
House, a penal institution. The only religious 
service is in the morning. I preached to the 
prisoners, four hundred males and a hundred 
females, victims of the saloons and slums of the 
city. The sight of my congregation was de- 
pressing. Some were attentive, many I failed 
to reach, my words falling on their ears as snow- 
flakes on the rock, and I was discouraged. 

Having gone the rounds of my Ohio field, I 
extended my voluntary labors into Indiana. 
I had the pleasure of spending a few days with 
Professor T. J. Charlton, superintendent of the 
" Indiana Reform School " at Plainfield, near 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 373 

Indianapolis, and his 500 Hoosier boys. This 
school is founded and managed on the family 
and not the congregate plan, and in all respects 
it is a successful reformatory. Professor Charl- 
ton, educated at West Point, is a good disci- 
plinarian. He controls these neglected and self- 
willed boys by the law of kindness backed with 
power and authority. Understanding this, 
these boys are easily and effectually controlled, 
the first step in their reformation. The indus- 
trial, educational, and religious training of these 
boys is just what they need; and, when appre- 
ciated, seldom fails to prepare them for a good, 
useful life outside. A Sabbath spent here in 
the Sunday-school and chapel service was a 
privilege and a pleasure. The superintendent 
ordered 500 copies of a lesson Quarterly for the 
use of the Sunday-school. 

In the city of Indianapolis, the state has a 
44 reformatory for girls, and a prison for women," 
the first institution of the kind in our country, 
an honor to the State, and a blessing to criminal 
women, and vicious, wayward and incorrigible, 
girls. I spent a Sabbath here. The institution 
is successfully managed by a board of three 
ladies — intelligent, efficient, humane and Chris- 
tian women. The two departments are entirely 
separate, the adults and the juveniles have no 
intercourse together, the only place they meet 



374 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

being in the chapel. I found 62 women convicts 
— 8 of them life prisoners — and 150 girls from 
nine to seventeen years old. In the morning I 
attended and addressed the girls' band meeting. 
One of their number led, and several offered 
prayer and gave their testimony. By request 
of the matron, I led the Sunday-school in the 
women's prison. Our lesson was on the subject 
of temperance. My scholars were very atten- 
tive and answered questions freely. At the 
close they were asked how many of them had 
been made criminals by strong drink. Eleven 
of them responded by standing up, showing 
that liquor was their ruin. 

In the afternoon the women and girls came, 
neatly clad and with becoming reverence, to the 
chapel. The girls came first, and occupied the 
front seats, and the women last, and retired 
first, so they did not see each other. The girls 
recited in concert from memory a scripture 
lesson, and all united in singing, and with atten- 
tion heard my discourse. 

In the evening I preached a sermon in behalf 
of the American Sunday-School Union in the 
First Presbyterian church, Rev. Dr. Haines, 
pastor, and received a generous response to aid 
our missionary cause. I was glad to be in- 
formed that General Harrison and his estima- 
ble wife were members of this church, and that 



ABOUNDING IN LABORS. 375 

the President was for many years an elder, dis- 
charging faithfully the duties of that responsible 
office in the church of Christ. 

These labors brought me to the end of 1889; 
a time for reflection. I considered the way the 
Lord had led me, and found abundant occa- 
sion to bless and praise his Holy Name. My 
life spent so largely and happily with children 
and young people has kept me young in heart, 
and, I hope, helped me to grow old gracefully, 
a contented, satisfied old man, happy in the 
eventide of his lengthened earthly pilgrimage, 
assured of another and better life beyond. 

Having in my possession in diaries for over 
forty years — in clippings from secular and 
religious papers preserved in scrap books — a 
large supply of data, I have spent much of my 
time since the first of January, 1890, in writing 
this story of my life. In doing this I have en- 
joyed the pleasure of living my busy life over 
again, and hope that this story of my labors 
will not be in vain, but for the honor of God 
and the encouragement of young people early 
to enter the Christian life, to obtain an educa- 
tion, and to make the most of life in serving 
God and their generation. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

CLOSING LABORS. 

AFTER spending a few days in Philadelphia 
enjoying the hospitality and society of 
the officers of the American Sunday-School 
Union, and visiting places of interest in the city, 
preaching twice on the Sabbath and addressing 
two Sunday-schools, I left for the Lackawanna 
Valley to attend a Sunday-school convention at 
Scranton, held in the interest of the Welsh 
Sunday-schools of that flourishing city and 
neighboring villages, inhabited largely by Welsh 
miners and their families, devoted friends of 
the Bible, the Sunday-school, and the church. 
The convention lasted two days and was well 
attended. Papers on practical subjects were 
read, and addresses were delivered in Welsh 
and English, followed by free discussion. Pas- 
tors and laymen participated and rendered val- 
uable instruction in regard to the extension and 
improvement of Bible study and practical 
Christianity. 

At the present time these Welsh people are 
in a transition state. The children, instructed 

(376) 



CLOSING LABORS. 377 

in the public schools, are becoming American- 
ized in language and are losing their vernacu- 
lar ; hence the necessity and importance of sup- 
plying them with the means of grace in the 
English language. In this exigency the Sun- 
day-school, and preaching ia the English lan- 
guage are imperatively needed to hold the 
young people to the altars of religion, and is 
essential to maintain the Christian principles of 
their godly parents, and, indeed, the existence 
of the churches organized and sustained by the 
Welsh pioneers in the Lackawanna valley. 

In this extensive mining region there are now 
over fifty Welsh churches, Congregationalist, 
Baptist, and Calvinistic Methodists (Presbyte- 
rian in creed and church polity) about equally 
divided. In some congregations the pastor is 
able to preach in both languages. With an 
English department in the Sunday-school the 
young people are held and grow up in Christ 
and in his service. Where the religious priv- 
ileges are in Welsh only, the youth suffer a 
serious loss and their spiritual interests are 
largely sacrificed. 

To remedy this evil the churches are acting 
wisely, and in many places special efforts are 
made to secure preaching and Sunday-school 
instruction in the English language ; and, in 
several instances, congregations have been gath- 



378 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

ered, chapels built, and flourishing churches 
organized ; and thus the descendants of the 
old Welsh families are Americanized under the 
best type of our social and religious life, and 
become good and loyal citizens, and established 
in the church and service of God. 

We have in our country over five hundred 
Welsh churches, sound in the faith, serving the 
Lord Christ. These, in regard to language, are 
in a transition state. When the grand old ver- 
nacular ceases to be the language of the fire- 
side, it must eventually cease to be thelanguage 
of the sanctuary ; hence the duty and necessity 
of supplying the young people at this critical 
period with gospel privileges in the language 
they understand and can use in their religious 
lives. 

Sixty-six Years were Commemorated by 
an anniversary of the American Sunday-School 
Union, May 11, 1890, held in the First Presby- 
terian church, Trenton, N. J. The venerated 
house of the Lord was well filled with an intel- 
ligent and appreciative audience. Rev. John 
Hall, D.D., pastor emeritus, though over eighty 
years old, standing erect, with a vigorous intel- 
lect, a warm heart and a clear voice delivered 
an address of welcome. In his early life Dr. 
Hall was secretary of the society at Philadel- 
phia, and editor of its early publications. His 



CLOSING LABOKS. 379 

address glowed with words of kindness and 
interesting reminiscences. Rev. C. H. Rich- 
ards, D.D., of Philadelphia, delivered an elo- 
quent and appropriate address. Rev. J. M. 
Crowell, D.D., of Philadelphia, secretary of 
missions, reported, that during the year over 
ninety-seven missionaries had established 1685 
new schools, with 7353 teachers and 59,432 
scholars ; also visited and aided 1852 schools 
previously organized, with 12,788 teachers and 
120,792 scholars, and distributed 16,115 Bibles 
and Testaments. 

An Interesting Document. The aged 
pioneer Sunday-school missionary, holding in his 
hand his first commission, signed by John 
Hall, secretary, and Alexander Henry, Esq., 
president of the American Sunday-School Union, 
issued from Philadelphia, February 12, 1836, 
made an address. After the lapse of fifty-four 
years of service, one, an honored and faithful 
pastor, the other a Sunday-school missionary in 
the west, were permitted to greet each other, a 
delightful and unusual coincidence greatly 
enjoyed. 

In the Depository of the society in Philadel- 
phia, by examining old letters, I found my first 
introduction to the American Sunday-School 
Union which I copy. 



380 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

11 Cincinnati, January 29, 1836. 
" Our Board have concluded to employ the Rev. B. W. 
Chidlaw, upon the very strong recommendation of Rev. 
Thomas Brainerd, Robert Boal, Esq., Rev. Henry Little 
and A. W. Corey, Esq. Mr. Chidlaw resides at Paddy's 
Run, Butler County, Ohio. He is a warm and active friend 
of Sunday-schools. He proposes to give us one-fourth of 
his time to work in Butler County, Ohio. He leaves it 
with our Board to pay him what they think best. 

" B. J. Seward, Agt." 

I also found the following in a letter from A. 
W. Corey, dated Cincinnati, November 16, 
1836." 

" A Sunday-school celebration (probably the first held in 
the city) nearly all the schools turned out filling the 
Wesley Chapel, on Fifth Street. Rev. Mr. Chidlaw, one of 
own missionaries, addressed the children in a very happy 
manner. His address abounded in interesting incidents 
and gave great satisfaction. Scarce an eye was turned 
from him till he had finished his address. Rev. M. Sehon, 
of the M. E. Church, followed in an able address to parents. 

14 A. W. Corey, Agt." 

Resting. On my way home I spent nine days 
at Saratoga, N. Y., an interested visitor to the 
Presbyterian General Assembly then in session. 
Meeting many brethren, beloved in the Lord, 
cheered by Christian fellowship, and attending 
the Assembly, my time was profitably and 
happily spent, soul and body strengthened and 
refreshed. On the street, or in the vestibule of 
the church, I was frequently and kindly greeted 
by members of the Assembly as the Sunday- 
school missionary they had heard in their Sun- 



CLOSING LABORS. 381 

day-school days, glad to find him flourishing in 
his advanced life and still at work. A stranger, 
with genuine western cordiality, greeted me on 
the pavement. It was the Rev. Henry B. Gage, 
of the Los Angelos Presbytery, California. 
After referring to an interesting meeting we 
held when he was a student at the South Salem 
Presbyterian Academy and its influence on his 
personal religious life, he said : " I want to tell 
you what may be to you unknown, but, I am 
sure, the information will cheer and encourage 
your heart in the work of the Lord. My sister- 
in-law, Miss Cort, who has been for fifteen years 
a faithful and successful missionary in Siam, 
always referred her conversion under God to 
your preaching when she was a student at the 
Glendale Female College, Ohio. I will inform 
her of our meeting, and she will be glad to hear 
from you." Such unexpected and blessed intel- 
ligence filled my soul with thanksgiving to God, 
for the honor and privilege of preaching the 
gospel, and winning souls to Christ and his 
service. After spending a few days resting at 
my pleasant home and with loved ones, and 
participating in the memorial services of Decor- 
ation Day at Cleves, I look forward to other 
labors at the Ohio State Sunday-school Conven- 
tion at Venice, Ohio, where I taught school 
fifty-six years ago. 



382 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 

, This brings my story to an end. Life has yet 
many charms and opportunities for serving 
God and his Church, and hitherto the Lord has 
brought me still in his loving hand. I will 
cheerfully and hopefully rest and trust till the 
shadows of earth shall be changed for the sun- 
light of Eternity, and my heavenly home is 
reached to be forever with the Lord. 
Cleves, O., June, 1890. 







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